Lynx
Introduction.
A Lynx is any of the 4 species of the Lynx genus. They include the Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), Canadian (Lynx canadensis), Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) and the Bobcat (Lynx rufus).
The Eurasian Lynx was a native species to the UK, it is thought to have become extinct. In the UK, 1300 years ago.
They are elusive, stealthy, ambush predators, that also stalk their prey. They are capable of impressive leaps of up to 25 feet horizontally and 6ft vertically, an impressive display of athleticism that enables them to catch birds in flight.
Eurasian Lynx.
Appearance.
Lynxes are medium-sized wild cats known for their distinctive tufts of black hair on their ears, short tails, and thick fur adapted for cold environments. Each species has unique features, but they share common characteristics that set them apart from other wildcats.
Medium-sized, muscular body with long legs and large, padded paws suited for snow.
Tall, pointed ears with black tufts.
Dense, soft, and varies in colour from tawny brown to grayish, often with spots or faint striping.
They have short tails, that can vary in length from 2 – 9.5” inches, however, some bobcats have been seen with tails longer than this.
Eurasian Lynx.
Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis)
Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
Size.
The Eurasian Lynx is the largest of the 4 species and sizes vary within each species, with males tending to be larger than females.
Eurasian Lynx 22 – 30” height, 18 - 36kg weight.
Canadian Lynx 19 – 22” height, 8 - 17kg weight.
Iberian Lynx 23– 27” height, 9 - 16kg weight
Bobcat up to 18 – 24” in height, 6 - 18kg weight.
Kittens.
Lynx have between 1-6 kittens, which, depending on the species, stay with their mum from between 6 – 12 months. Eurasian and Canadian kittens stay with their mum the longest.
Scent Marking.
Lynx use scent marking as a form of communication, to show their reproductive availability and to mark their territory.
They use a variety of methods that include, spraying urine (eg. on shrubs, trees, dirt patches), rub their cheeks on objects, claw trees, scrape the ground with their hind feet and leave deposits of faeces.
Diet.
Lynx are strict carnivores. The Eurasian Lynx diet is mainly ungulates, like the Roe Deer, but they are skilled hunters and not fussy easters, so will eat anything they can catch and will also scavenge.
The Canadian Lynx prefers snowshoe hares, the Iberian Lynx prefers rabbits and the Bobcat prefers small rodents and birds.
Melanism.
The first documented case of melanism in lynx occurred in 1929. This case involved a Canada lynx in the Yukon, Canada. The melanistic lynx was reported by a trapper and later examined by researchers, though melanism in lynx is considered rare compared to other big cats, such as jaguars or leopards. Since then, there have been a few other unconfirmed reports of melanistic lynx, but they remain an extraordinary and uncommon sight..
AI image of melanistic Lynx