The Eurasian Lynx

Scientific Name: Lynx lynx
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Weight: 28-46 pounds

Description:

There are as many as 9 subspecies of the Eurasian Lynx are described. There are some genetic differences between the European populations, suggesting 3 subspecies.  The Eurasian Lynx is the largest species by a considerable margin, weighing twice as much as the Canadian Lynx. Like all lynx, they have a relatively light build with elongated legs and large feet, and a very short black tipped tail. The hind limbs are longer than the front. The paws are densely covered in fur during the winter to facilitate moving through snow. The ear is darkly furred on the back with a pale central spot with a distinct long black tuft. The fur is soft and dense, with variable background colours ranging from silver-grey, yellowish, tawny, and reddish-brown. The amount of spotting varies widely from largely unspotted, small discrete spotting, or large discrete spots and blotches

Prey:

The Eurasian Lynx is the only species in the genus that specializes in ungulates. It is capable of killing prey the size of an adult red deer. However, their staple diet consists of small to mid-sized ungulates and juveniles of larger species. Other prey include wild boars, gazelle, sheep, birds, rodents, marmots, and large hares.

Biology:

Seasonal breeders, mating occurs in February through mid-April, with a peak season in late March. Gestation lasts 67-74 days; litter size can be 1-4 kittens, but is typically 2.