Lynx Cats

A Lynx is a wild cat found mostly in the parts of Europe, Asia and North America. It belongs to the Felidae family of the animal kingdom. This animal has four sub-species namely Eurasian Lynx, Canadian Lynx, Iberian Lynx and the Bobcat.

It is usually brownish-gray in color with a short tail and has black hair on its ear tips. It is speculated that these hair provide the lynx with some hearing aid. This beautiful creature also sports neck ruff which adds to its elegance. Their size varies according to sub-species, but on an average they can weigh from 30 to 70 pounds. A lynx is a very vocal animal which can create numerous sounds like hissing, chattering, howling, mews and purrs. The physical characteristics of lynx vary according to sub-species. As we go north from the Equator, some changes are noticed in the physical traits of this animal. For example the Canadian lynx which is a sub-species of lynx found in snow-clad regions of Canada and Alaska, has broad paws and lighter color. These alterations help the Canadian lynx to sustain in that environment. Broad paws make it easier for this creature to walk on snow, while light color acts as a natural camouflage in snow-clad surroundings.

The lynx usually mate during early spring or winter. The reproduction cycle for this mammal is annual, hence on an average the female lynx gives birth to 3-6 kittens a year. These kittens stay with the mother for a year and then venture out into the solitary life of their own.

These wild cats are mostly found in mountainous regions or areas with thick forests. Lynx most often use arboreal or aquatic style of hunting. Unlike a cheetah who uses the 'chase to exhaust' method for hunting a lynx prefers the 'stalk and ambush' technique. These carnivorous creatures mainly feast on animals like Snowshoe hare, reindeer, Roe deer, small red deer, Chamois, sheep, goats, fish etc. Although a solitary creature, sometimes lynx are seen hunting in groups, mainly comprising of the female lynx and the kittens. This co-operative behavior is most often noticed when there is scarcity of food and they need to hunt down larger preys like a reindeer.

Although a predator, lynx does have some dangers from other animals in the food chain. Cougars and Gray Wolves have been found killing lynx to satiate their hunger. But it is the young ones of the lynx who are more vulnerable to potential dangers of the outside world with owls, eagles, Coyotes, foxes and even male Bobcats waiting to pounce on them.

Broadly lynx are categorized into four sub-species Eurasian lynx, Canadian lynx, Iberian lynx and Bobcat.

Eurasian Lynx
Scientifically named Lynx Lynx, these are the largest species of lynx family. They are mostly found in Northern Europe and Asia. On an average they are 32 to 50 inches long and stand 28 inches tall. Eurasian lynx is a nocturnal animal, basically active at night. They mainly hunt down hare, rabbit, rodents, wild boar, Chamois, foxes and reindeer. They hunt mainly by stalking the prey.

Canadian Lynx
Its scientific name is Lynx Canadensis. This is the second largest of the lynx species. Mainly found in Canada and Alaska, the Canadian lynx has also been spotted in some parts of United States. Standing 24 inches tall at shoulder this creature is 36 inches long. Like the Eurasian lynx it is also a nocturnal animal looking for food in dark. It generally hunts down hare, rodents, birds and deer.

Iberian Lynx
Iberian lynx or Lynx Pardinus is a sub-species of lynx mostly found in Spain. It gets its name from the Iberian peninsula in Southern Europe, where at one point of time it was abundant. But today it has been listed as an endangered species. This creature is 24 to 28 inches tall and 34 to 43 inches long, and weighs 12 kg. Iberian lynx eats rodents, insectivores, birds, reptiles, amphibians, European rabbit etc.

Bobcat
Bobcat or Lynx Rufus is the smallest sub-species of lynx. Most often found in Canada, North-east Mexico and Continental United States, this is the most adaptable sub-species of lynx. It is 28 to 47 inches long and 14 to 15 inches tall, weighing up to 30 pounds. Unlike the other sub-species of lynx, Bobcat is crepuscular animal. It is most active at twilight and dawn. Bobcats feast on rabbit, hare, rodent and deer. Its flexibility and adaptability has ensured that this animal is still found in large numbers in North America.

Due to their timid lifestyle, these creatures don't come in direct contact with human beings. The reports of a lynx attacking human beings are very minimal, and if at all, these attacks are for defensive purposes. On the other hand humans are quite often found interfering in their life, killing these beautiful creature mostly for its skin which is valuable in the international market. Other than poaching, the existence of lynx is also threatened due to factors like loss of habitat or loss of prey. Some species, like the Iberian lynx, are on the verge of extinction. Immediate steps need to be taken to ensure that this animal doesn't become extinct, not now, not ever.