Scientific name: Lynx lynx
Physical description
Lynx have a body length of between 85 and 110 cm, and a shoulder height of between 50 and 75 cm. Their weight varies from region to region and ranges from 15 to 35 kg. The lynx has three important characteristics which distinguish it from other cats, such as the wild cat. They have conspicuously long legs, and a stubby tail with a black tip. Lynx have distinctive tufts of black hair at the tip of the ears. These tufts, which are up to 4 cm long aid their excellent hearing.
Strong paws support the lynx's long legs. Their area load is only about 40 grams per square centimeter whichs prevents them from sinking into the snow during the winter. As a result of this snowshoe effect the cats can walk easily on the surface of deep snow.
Habits
Lynx are short-range sprinters. The cats rely more on stealth than speed for capturing prey; they creep up to their prey, then ambush it in a flash and kill it by biting its neck or throat. Their main prey are medium-sized mammals such as roe deer and chamois, and occassionally hare, wild boar, foxes or rodents. Lynx bury any uneaten prey and return later to finish it off.
Lynx are active at dawn and dusk. Their territory extends from between 20 to 100 square miles, depending on the abundance of prey. They are solitary animals and can cover up to 20 km in a single night.
Reproduction
The mating season is in February and March. At this time even the usually very quiet males can be heard miaowing. Following a gestation period of 70 days the female gives birth to 1-4, but usually 2-3 blind kits. The young are suckled for approximately six months. After their first winter they weigh as much as 7-10 kg. Lynx kits are very playful. At ten months of age they become independent of their mother, and by the time they reach two years they are fully grown.
