Eurasian Lynx
The Eurasian Lynx is a species of medium-sized predatory cats found in East and Central Asia, Siberia, Scandinavia, as well as in parts of Europe. It has a strong muscular body and long, powerful legs, with the characteristic stubby “bobbed” tail having a black rounded end. The tips of its large ears have the distinguishing black tufts while its frill of long gray/white cheek hairs gives off an impression of a dense mane.
Eurasian Lynx
Eurasian Lynx Photos
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Felidae |
| Genus | Lynx |
| Scientific Name | Lynx lynx |
Quick Information
| Other Names | Lynx Boreal, Lynx (in French); Lince, Lince Boreal (in Spanish) |
| Size | Height: about 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) Length: 35-51 inches (90-130 cm); the tail is of 4.3-9.6 inches (11-24.5 cm) |
| Weight | Males: 40-66 lbs (18-30 kg) Females: 18-46 lbs (8-21 kg) At birth: 8.5-15.2 oz (240-430 g) |
| Color | Brown or reddish in summer; those found in the southernmost parts of their range are brighter in color; their fur changes to grayish-brown or silvery-gray during the winter; have black marks in variable patterns and number, white underparts, dark brown streaks are seen on the back and forehead |
| Coat | Shorter fur during the warmer months; replaced by thick, dense, silky fur during winter |
| Distribution | Central Asia including some Chinese provinces, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia; other parts of Asia such as Russia, India, Pakistan, Nepal; European regions like Britain, Czech Republic, Romania, Balkan Peninsula, Scandinavia, the Julian and Dinaric Alps, France, Switzerland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania |
| Habitat | Forested areas in Europe, thick woodlands and rocky areas of the Himalayas; also found in thinly wooded regions in Central Asia |
| Vocalization | A range of sounds including meowing, growling, purring, and hissing; also makes a chattering noise if the prey is out of its reach; loud mating calls containing meows and deep growls are also heard |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 17 years (wild), up to 24 years (captivity) |
| Diet | Strictly carnivorous; mostly preys on smaller ungulates like chamois, musk deer, and roe deer; also known to kill larger ungulates like caribou and elk in winter; supplements its food with smaller preys such as birds, hares, rabbits, squirrels, marmots, other rodents, and red foxes; feeds on carrion if available |
| Adaptations | Coloration and markings are used to camouflage in its natural environment helping in ambushing on prey, as also protecting it from larger predators; large paws covered with fur act as “snowshoes” that help in navigating in snow; the ear tufts improve its hearing ability and are useful for nocturnal hunting; strong legs with retractable claws assist in climbing, jumping, and swimming |
| Diseases | Infections caused by parasitic species like Toxocara cati, Taenia laticollis, Trichinella, Taenia hydatigena, Taenia taeniaeformis, Diphyllobothrium latum |
| Size of litter | 1-4 kittens |
| Number of Litters | 1 litter a year |
| Gestation Period | 67 to 74 days |
| Predators | Gray wolves, wolverines, tigers |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Eurasian Lynx Images
Eurasian Lynx Cat
Behavior
The Eurasian lynxes are solitary creatures that are mainly active after sunset and at dawn though they may choose to kill their prey during the day if food is scarce. These are primarily terrestrial animals with sneaking, stalking, and jumping abilities, which are used for hunting. They have excellent vision and hearing and may even climb on to trees or high rocks to examine their surroundings. They are often seen resting under thickets of grasses and trees.
These territorial animals hunt over an area of 20 to 450 square kilometers with the males having larger hunting ranges than the females. The territories of males can sometimes overlap with that of one or two females. Like most cats, both the sexes mark their territories with feces, urine, or other gland secretions for indicating their presence.
Eurasian Lynx Habitat
Eurasian Lynx Pictures
Mating and Reproduction
The Eurasian lynx has a polygynous mating system meaning the males mate with more than one female per breeding season that starts in January and lasts until April. During this time, the estrous cycle in females lasts for 4-7 days. Once the male comes across its female partner, both the lynxes display courtship by accompanying each other for many days, mating several times a day. The male lynx looks for another mate when its female partner ends its estrous days.
After conceiving, the females build dens in isolated places, usually concealed by roots or branches of trees. They use dry grass, deer hair, and feathers as bedding materials so that their cubs can lie on them.
Eurasian Lynx Kitten
Baby Eurasian Lynx
Life Cycle
Once the gestation period is completed, the mother gives birth to a litter of kittens. The young ones, although born blind, open their eyes after 10-12 days. The Eurasian lynx babies originally have grayish-brown hair but achieve the reddish-brown hue at 11 weeks. The kittens are introduced to solid food at about 7 weeks and are completely weaned at 5-6 months. Even though they leave the den 2-3 months after their birth, they remain under their mother’s care for about 10 months. They become sexually matured at around 2-3 years of age.
Eurasian Lynx Snow
Eurasian Lynx Pet
Interesting Facts
- It is the largest lynx species in the world.
- The Eurasian lynx nearly became extinct in Europe, but it has been revived after its successful reintroduction in several countries including Switzerland, Germany, France, Scotland, and Slovenia.
- They are known to hide any uneaten prey by digging it in the ground so they can return later to consume it.
References:
- https://animalia.bio/eurasian-lynx
- http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lynx_lynx/
- https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/12519/121707666
- https://wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/eurasia/eurasian-lynx/
Published on November 16th 2015 by admin under Coniferous Forest Animals.
Article was last reviewed on 5th December 2022.
