We know the members of the Lynx genus as lynxes. They are a group of carnivorous mammals that are part of the Felidae family (Felidae). They are related to lions, cougars and cats, among many others. Despite their similarities to other cats, lynxes have unique and unmistakable characteristics, including their short tail and the "brushes" that protrude from their ears.
Currently, there are only four species of lynx. Although they may seem very similar, these animals have quite a few differences, both physical and ecological. Do you want to know them in depth? Don't miss this article about the different types of lynx: species, names and characteristics.
General characteristics of lynxes
Before knowing the different types of lynxes, we must know what a lynx is like. All of them are medium-sized felines and are characterized by having the short tail, between 10 and 20 centimeters long. Also, their ears are particularly long and pointed. Both end in a erect black plume, a kind of “brush” very characteristic of lynxes, although it also appears in other types of felines, such as the caracal (Caracal caracal).
Their ears and tufts allow them to pick up sounds over long distances. Together with their elongated, mottled and perfectly camouflaged body, this characteristic makes them excellent hunters. Their favorite prey are other intermediate-sized mammals, such as rabbits, although they vary greatly in each species. They usually come out to hunt at twilight or at night. They do it alone, since they are animals solitary and very territorial
Unlike other cats, lynxes are usually monogamous. They also have a certain tendency to polygyny, that is, a male can guard the territory of several females. This is reflected in their sexual dimorphism, as males can be up to 30% larger than females. Both sexes can live between 10 and 24 years, with the largest species being the longest.
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
The Bobcat is distributed throughout Southern Canada, the United States and much of MexicoSo where does the bobcat live? It can occupy various types of ecosystems: forests, shrubby formations, pastures and even deserts. Therefore, they are very opportunistic animals, also when it comes to their diet. Their main prey is the hare, although they usually eat rodents, birds, possums and even small ungulates.
This feline differs from other types of lynx by its tail, white on the bottom and with black lines on the top. It is often confused with the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), with which it shares part of its territory. However, the bobcat has shorter ear tufts, as well as shorter legs with small feet.
As for its fur, the bobcat has a varied color depending on the region. In this way, we can find brown, yellowish, beige, reddish, gray and even albino individuals. Their size also varies quite a bit. Individuals from the north are larger than those from the south, and can weigh up to 20 kilograms.
Currently, there are considered to be two types of bobcats or subspecies:
- Lynx rufus rufus: It is distributed throughout the eastern Great Plains of North America.
- Lynx rufus fasciatus: Lives in the western Great Plains.
Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)
The Canadian lynx inhabits the boreal forests of Canada, Alaska and the northern United States Within these forests it is common to see them in clearings, bushy areas and pastures, where abundant American hares (Lepus americanus) live. It is their main prey and accounts for between 60 and 97% of their diet. It complements it with birds and rodents, mainly squirrels.
This is a low-weight lynx, weighing only 12 kilograms. Among its characteristics, its hind legs stand out, which are much longer than the front ones, so its back rises from the front to the back. Its fur is denser than that of the bobcat, with which it lives in some areas. It also has considerably larger feet and abundant hair between the pads. His feet act like snowshoes, so he can easily get around when it's deep.
As in the previous case, the fur of the Canada lynx can have various shades, usually reddish brown or greyish brown They are rarely albino. It can also have dark spots, although they are less noticeable than in other types of lynx. In his ears the black edge stands out, which is continued with a long tuft. Its tail ends in a black tip and is the same at the top and bottom.
Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)
The Eurasian lynx or boreal lynx is distributed throughout parts of Europe, Asia and the Middle East It normally lives in forests, although it can be found in shrubby areas and even steppes. In these places, feeds on medium-sized ungulates, such as roe deer, chamois or reindeer. They make up around 80% of their diet but, when they are scarce, they can eat hares, wild boars, birds and even foxes.
Its specialization in hunting ungulates is possible because this feline is the largest of all types of lynx It can weigh 25 kilograms and measure 1.2 meters in length. Its tail is also longer than in other species, with a recorded maximum of 23 centimeters. In addition, it has wide feet, which are covered with more hair in winter. In this way, they increase their surface area and act like snowshoes.
As for the fur of the Boreal lynx, it can be reddish, gray or even yellowish, with a white chest and belly. It is normally covered in rounded dark spots, although it may be completely absent.
Finally, we must point out that Eurasian lynx populations are highly fragmented, so much so that today 6 subspecies are recognised:
- Northern lynx (Lynx lynx lynx): northern Europe and western Siberia.
- Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus): the Balkans.
- Carpathian lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus): central and eastern Europe.
- Caucasian Lynx (Lynx lynx dinniki): the Caucasus, Turkey, Iran and Iraq.
- Turkestan lynx (Lynx lynx isabellinus): Central Asia.
- Siberian lynx (Lynx lynx wrangeli): eastern Russia and China.
Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)
The Iberian lynx is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula At the beginning of the 20th century, this feline was very abundant in much of Spain and Portugal. However, today is in danger of extinction Although they have been introduced in other places, there are only two stable populations: one in Doñana and the other in Sierra Morena (Andalusia). So, if you are wondering where the Iberian lynx lives, here is the answer. In these places their ecosystem is still conserved: wide bushy formations in which rabbits abound.
The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) accounts for more than 80% of its diet, so the Iberian lynx depends entirely on its existence to survive. Their hunting strategy is stalking. It hides in the bushes and then runs a few meters towards its prey. It has a high efficiency thanks to its small size, with a maximum weight of 13 kilograms in males. Its entire body is covered in a brown or tawny coat, with highly variable dark spots.
As for its head, it is quite small, as in the rest of the lynx types. On both sides of his face, he has black and white locks that form a very noticeable beard. Among them are some beautiful yellow-green eyes, surrounded by a black line. Its tail measures about 14 centimeters and ends in a black tip.
Now that you know the characteristics of lynxes, the types that exist and their distribution, don't hesitate to continue expanding your knowledge with these other articles:
- Types of tigers
- Types of lions
