A formidable and majestic feline, it is the largest cat species in Europe, surpassed in size only by brown bears and wolves among the continent’s predators. This elusive and solitary hunter is adorned with a luxurious coat that varies seasonally, serving as a protective camouflage and a testament to its adaptability to diverse climates.
In winter, the Eurasian Lynx’s fur grows longer. It can display a range of colors from silver-gray and yellowish-gray to dark gray, grizzled grayish-brown, or even ashy blue, providing an effective disguise against snow-covered landscapes. Come summer, the coat becomes brownish or reddish and much shorter, suiting the warmer conditions and the forested and mountainous terrains it frequents. The markings on their bodies are as varied as their habitats, with some lynxes showcasing clear black spots, others bearing narrow stripes, and others displaying almost no spots at all.
As strict carnivores, Eurasian Lynxes have a diet that reflects the richness of their ecosystem. Roe deer and musk deer are among their preferred prey, along with chamois, rabbits, rodents, birds, hares, and even the cunning red fox. In the harsher winter months, when smaller prey is scarcer, they are known to target larger animals such as reindeer and elk, demonstrating their versatility and prowess as predators.
The hunting strategy of the Eurasian Lynx is one of patience and precision. Rather than engage in lengthy chases, they opt for the element of surprise, ambushing their prey from a concealed position. This method allows them to conserve energy and increases their success rate, a crucial adaptation in environments where food can be sparse and the energy expenditure of hunting is high.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Bhutan
Bosnia And Herz.
Official estimate
Bulgaria
China
Croatia
Official estimate
Czechia
Estonia
Finland
Official estimate
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Official estimate
India
Iran
Iraq
Italy
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Nepal
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Pakistan
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Official estimate
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
UzbekistanRecent updates
Feb 2023: The future of the endangered Eurasian lynx in France is uncertain, as there is a real possibility that they may not recover fully and might face extinction.
Feb 2023: UK Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey has voiced her opposition to the reintroduction of lynx and wolves to England, effectively putting the proposed reintroductions on hold. Coffey has stated that she does not believe the reintroduction of these species to the English countryside is necessary or beneficial.
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
