Lynx (Lynx lynx) - Europe's largest cat

There are just a few wild cat species living in Europe. Besides the European wild cat there are two species of the genus lynx that have to be mentioned: The Lynx or Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and the Spanish lynx (Lynx pardinus). Reaching a length up to 110 cm and a weight up to 38 kg, the Eurasian lynx is larger than its Iberian relative and moreover the largest wild cat inhabiting Europe. In America two further lynx species are distributed: the Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis) and the Bobcat (Lynx rufus). The distribution scheme in America is similar to the one in Europe. The larger Canadian lynx inhabits the northern parts of Northamerica, whereas the smaller Bobcat can be found in the more southernly parts down to Mexico.

In the Eurasian lynx four subspecies are known, which differ widely in size and colour and markings of the fur. The colour of the fur stretches from reddish brown to light grey. The markings of the fur are dominated by spots and short lines. Typical for Lynxes and extraordinary concerning the cat family are their "brush ears" and sideboards. They are not kind of fashionable extravagances but serve as means of intraspecific communication. Most cat species communicate partly by moving their tails to a certain position. But Lynxes just have very short tails. So they use their ears and sideboards to communicate. The sideboards can be extended or doned - each movement or form has got a certain meaning.

The typical habitats of the Lynx are forests and moorlands. Lynxes lead a solitary life in territories reaching an extension of up to 100 square kilometres. Their favourite prey are mammals of different sizes from mice to roedeers but also ground living birds. Larger prey isn't eaten at once; the Lynx returns to its kill several times. After a pregnancy of about 70 days the female Lynx gives birth to up to six young, but mostly there are just two young which will survive. How long the young Lynxes stay with their mother depends on the environmental circumstances. Lynx families living in northern regions with mild winters and enough food split up in autumn, whereas young lynxes living in the north and being confronted with harder winters and less food are supplied by their mother during winter. Those families split up in next year's spring.

Eurasian lynxes are distributed in Europe and Northern Asia. In Europe their distribution range has been reduced more and more during the last 200 years. The Lynx got extinct in Western and Central Europe. The large cat was seen as a competitor for huntable game and was killed by hunters whenever they found one. After a lot of convincing done by species and nature conservation societies it seems that now there is a chance to reintroduce the Lynx in parts of its former distribution range. There have been successful efforts in Austria, Switzerland and France and just these days it's tried to reestablish a Lynx population in Germany.

[Choose another article about animals!]