| Eurasian Lynx | ||
|---|---|---|
 Lynx lynx (Linnaeus, 1758) | ||
| Information | ||
| Scientific Classification | ||
| Kingdom |
Animalia | |
| Phylum |
Chordata | |
| Class |
Mammalia | |
| Order |
Carnivora | |
| Family |
Felidae | |
| Genus |
Lynx | |
| Species |
L. lynx | |
| Conservation Status (IUCN 3.1) | ||
 Least Concern | ||
Eurasian Lynx is the largest of the lynxes. Adult males weight on average 21.6kg (47lb), while females are slightly smaller at 18.1 kg (40 Lb). The lynxes of eastern Siberia consistently reach the greatest size. The Eurasian lynx has relatively long legs, and large feet that provide a snowshoe effect, allowing for more effective travel through deep snow.
In winter, the fur grows heavily and protects the bottom of the feet. The coat is greyish, with tints varying from shades of rust to yellow. The life span of the Eurasian lynx is more than 20 years.
Habitat[]
With one of the widest ranges of all cat species, Eurasian lynx prefer deciduous forest or old growth taiga and mixed woodlands, with plenty of undergrowth for cover. They are also found throughout the northern slopes of the Himalayas to an elevation 2,500m, alpine tundra, rocky areas above the tree line, the mountains of the central Asian desert region and the entire Tibetan plateau.
Diet[]
In some parts of their range, lynx prey mainly on large ungulate species, mostly females or the young, including red deer, reindeer, and argali. Lynx are capable of killing prey three to four times their own size.
Conservation Status[]
As a species, this lynx is not endangered, but in some parts it has become extremely rare and may not survive unless measures are taken to conserve it.