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Felis lynx, Felis canadensis
CATS OF TWO CONTINENTS
The lynx is the only cat with a species representative in both the new and old worlds. There are two major subspecies: the Canadian lynx (Felis canadensis) of North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada to the northern United States; and the Spanish or Eurasian lynx (Felis lynx) of Europe, ranging from Western Europe to Siberia and in Spain and Portugal. The Canadian lynx inhabits the coniferous forests of northern environments, preying mainly on snowshoe hares. Breeding seasons are short, and a female produces two to five kittens, which remain with her throughout the winter months. Dens are formed in fallen trees, hollow logs, and dense undergrowth. The young leave their mother when the next breeding season arrives with the coming of spring. A full grown Canadian lynx is a small cat, weighing between about fifteen and thirty lbs. During their adult lives, lynx are solitary and maintain a home range between about 20 to 30 square miles. Male ranges overlap with those of females, and at times with those of other males, but cats of the same sex generally avoid contact. The Eurasian lynx is slightly smaller than it's Canadian counterpart, but inhabits a similar environment and also lives a solitary life. The Eurasian lynx is highly endangered in the Iberian peninsula due to deforestation.
BOBCATS AND LYNX
Although very similar in both appearance and range, bobcats an lynx vary in a few key adaptations which are related to environment. While bobcats live in lowlands, the lynx is found in colder northern environments and higher altitudes. Because of this, both cats have different coat colors, legs and tail size, and coat density. The bobcat has shorter legs and a spotted coat for camouflage and movement in dense woodlands, while the Lynx has a plain brownish coat whish aids in camouflage in mossy coniferous forests and longer legs for moving through snow. The lynx also has fur protecting its paw pads due to the colder northern climates, and a shorter tail to conserve heat. Hearing is also thought to be more important in locating prey for the lynx, and this may be the reason for it's longer ear tufts.
LYNX AND MAN
The soft fur of the lynx has long been prized by humans, and hunting has been one of the major threats to lynx survival. Deforestation is another major threat to lynx populations, especially in Europe. The Canadian lynx is currently listed as a threatened species. There is debate about whether or not the lynx living in the Iberian peninsula are a separate subspecies from those living in Western Europe and Siberia, but it is widely recognized that whether a separate subspecies or population, the Spanish lynx is one of the most endangered cats in the world. These cats are threatened by both deforestation and killings due to suspected attacks on livestock.
Sources: British
Columbia Wildlife
Images from US Fish and Wildlife Services
Cat Science Index
"Encyclopedia of Mammals"
ed. by Dr David Macdonald. Andromeda Press, New York NY. 1995.
Spanish Lynx
