Lynx

Lynx is a genus of medium-sized wild cats, which includes four species: the Eurasian Lynx, the Canada Lynx, the Iberian Lynx, and the Bobcat. The name "lynx" originated in Middle English via Latin from the Greek word λύγξ, derived from the Indo-European root leuk- ('light, brightness') in reference to the luminescence of its reflective eyes.

Characteristics

A lynx is characterized by its short tail, tufts of black hair on the tips of its ears, large, padded paws for walking on snow and long whiskers on the face. Its body color varies from medium brown to goldish to beige-white, and is occasionally marked with dark brown spots, especially on the limbs. All species of lynx have white fur on their chests, bellies and on the insides of their legs, fur which is an extension of the chest and belly fur.

Habitat and Distribution

Lynx species are found in the northern regions of the Americas and the forests of Asia, Europe. They inhabit the high altitude forests with dense cover of shrubs, reeds, and grass. While the bobcat is common throughout southern Canada, the continental U.S., and northern Mexico, the Canada lynx is found in Canada and Alaska, the Eurasian lynx is found in western Europe and Russia, and the Iberian lynx is found in Spain and Portugal.

Diet

Lynx primarily hunt small mammals, birds, and fish, but can take down larger prey like deer when the conditions are favorable. They are also known to eat larger animals like foxes, and occasionally sheep and goats.

Conservation Status

The Iberian lynx is critically endangered, the Eurasian lynx is a species of least concern, and the Canada lynx is listed as a species of least concern. The bobcat is not currently considered endangered.

See Also

• Felidae
• Wildcat
• Bobcat
• Eurasian Lynx
• Canada Lynx
• Iberian Lynx