Lynx
© creativenature.nl / stock.adobe.com
Lynxes are solitary creatures and inhabit vast territories in woodlands rich with undergrowth.
Lynxes, alongside brown bears and wolves, rank among Europe’s largest predators. In many regions of Central Europe, these animals had been extinct for a period of time. Now, through rewilding initiatives, they are being reintroduced to their former habitats.
Table of contents
Appearance of the Lynx: Tufted Ears and Facial Ruff
The Eurasian Lynx (Latin name Lynx lynx), also known simply as the lynx or Northern lynx, is Europe’s largest cat species and one of the continent’s greatest terrestrial carnivores. Other members of the Lynx genus include the Canada Lynx, Bobcat, and Iberian Lynx.
At a shoulder height of 50 to 70 centimetres, the Eurasian Lynx is roughly the size of a German Shepherd and the largest among the four lynx species. Its build appears square, while the head is relatively broad and round.
Ears Like a Lynx
A characteristic feature of lynxes is the dark tufts at the tips of their ears. These help the lynx pick up even the faintest sounds of its prey.
Lynx fur can be yellowish, reddish, brown, or grey in hue. Many have clearly visible dark spots, while others nearly lack any individual patterning. The fur around the chin, chest, and belly of these wild cats is white to cream-coloured.
Broad Paws Act as “Snowshoes”
In the colder months, the lynx dons an especially thick winter coat. Its broad paws prevent sinking into the snow. The front limbs are noticeably shorter than the hind legs.
A distinctive feature of this species is also the pronounced facial ruff accessible to both sexes. The tail is notably short with a black tip.
© Mario Plechaty / stock.adobe.com
Habitat and Distribution: Where Are Lynxes Found in Europe?
Lynxes had gone extinct for a time in many parts of Central Europe. Now, reintroduction projects are attempting to re-establish the big cats in their former ranges.
The largest populations are in Russia, Finland, and Romania. But lynxes are also spotted again in Germany, Austria, Sweden, and many other European nations.
Currently, around 7000 individuals live in Europe. Whether reintroduction has been a success will only be seen if the animals manage to thrive in their “new old” home over the long term.
Vast Territories
Lynxes are solitary creatures. They reside in large contiguous wooded areas with plenty of underbrush, using it alongside rocks, fallen trees, and shrubbery for cover. At dry, sheltered spots such as caves or beneath large roots, females give birth to their young.
Each animal occupies its own territory, which can extend up to 450 square kilometres. Males’ territories are larger than females’. If they don’t find enough prey in their domain, lynxes may venture to the edge of the forest.
Feeding and Hunting Behaviour of the Lynx
Lynxes are obligate carnivores requiring about 1kg of food daily. They hunt in the evenings and at night, capturing roedeer, deer, and reindeer, along with birds, hares, and rabbits. They hunt true to their feline nature, by stalking their prey and delivering a deadly bite to the throat.
Lynxes boast remarkable sensory abilities, possessing extraordinary hearing and seeing around six times better than humans in the dark.
After taking down a sizeable prey item, like a young deer or mouflon, the lynx will return over several consecutive nights to finish its meal time virtually in its entirety.
Is a Lynx Dangerous to Humans?
The likelihood of encountering a lynx in the wild is extremely slim. Thanks to their exceptional senses, lynxes sense humans much earlier than the other way around, typically retreating into the woodland’s safety.
Incidents of lynx attacking humans are exceedingly rare. A potential cause for a lynx attack could be rabies infection in the animal. However, many European countries are now rabies-free.
Breeding and Raising Offspring
Mating season for lynxes takes place in February and March. During this period, solitary lynxes come together, guided by scent markings on tree roots and rocks. Furthermore, they emit mating calls that sound somewhat like barking.
After around 70 days of gestation, little lynxes are born, arriving blind and furred. The mother suckles them for nearly half a year, gradually introducing them to solid food around four weeks of age. The young stay with their mother until the next spring, then set off to find their own territories.
Endangerment and Protection of the Species
In many European countries, the lynx is a strictly protected species that cannot be hunted. Poaching, alongside road accidents and diseases, poses a serious threat to these cats.
Indeed, the lynx had been eradicated in Central Europe areas once already. Due to their fur and the perceived threat they posed to sheep and goats, the animals were mercilessly pursued and killed until the early 20th century.
The Lynx Makes a Return
Conservation projects and reintroductions have been helping since the 1970s to steadily expand the lynx’s range.
For one subspecies, the Balkan lynx, the efforts may be too late. With an estimated population of just 20 to 40 individuals, they are on the brink of extinction.
© kjekol / stock.adobe.com
Can You Keep a Lynx as a Pet?
A lynx is a wild animal and is unsuitable for keeping as a pet. They are known to be curious but avoid humans and cannot be tamed.
Those who have a heart for this beautiful predator and wish to contribute to the survival of the species can involve themselves in conservation efforts. Some wildlife protection groups offer lynx sponsorships to enable animal lovers to support this endangered predator directly.
Here’s a snapshot of the lynx
| Quick Facts: | Lynxes are medium-sized felids with a square body shape. They have a pronounced beard of fur, dark tufts on their ears, and a bobbed tail. |
| Shoulder height: | 50-70cm |
| Weight: | 15-25kg |
| Average lifespan: | 10-15 years |
| Prey: | Roedeer, deer, hares, birds |
| Nature: | Curious, yet reclusive |
| Fur: | Thick, 5-7cm long |
| Fur colour: | Reddish to yellowish-brown in summer, brown to grey in winter, some with spots |
| Sexual maturity: | Females at two years, males at three years |
| Gestation period: | Approx. 70 days |
| Litter size: | 2 to 5 cubs |
| Distribution: | Broad areas of Europe, Siberia, and East Asia |
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