This animal is a member of the cat family. Many are interested in the question of where the lynx lives, the easiest way to find it is in the taiga. Currently, not much information is known about the types of lynx, its habits. This is explained by the accuracy and caution of the animal. Getting to him is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. According to the description, lynx, like any other, winter months can use the paths made by man. This type wild cats is of interest to many animal lovers.

The lynx lives for approximately 17 years, the average for each species of lynx varies.

Lynx - description and external characteristics

The lynx is one of the most beautiful felines, its length depends on the variety. On average, the sizes lie in the range of 60 - 140 centimeters. There are tassels on the ears. In the area of ​​the beard, the animal has longer hair than in other places. Because of this, a sideburn effect is created. The animal is distinguished by large vertical pupils, a small muzzle. The beauty of the beast is determined by silky and thick fur.

This animal can be found in European countries ah, also lynx can be seen in China, Georgia and Greece. More than half of the representatives of this species live on the western continents, in the United States of America and Canada.

Within the territory of Russian Federation the beast can be seen in the taiga forests. Depending on the habitat, both the physical and external data of the animal differ.

What does a lynx eat?

The favorite food of this animal is hares. Also, the victim of a lynx can be dogs, birds, rodents of small sizes, deer, partridges, foxes.

reproduction

Red Lynx has a polygynous breeding system, in other words, males can have relationships with several females throughout their lives. The period of bearing offspring is a little more than 2 months, the eyes of small lynxes open on the 10th - 11th day of life, for 60 days the female feeds them with her milk. After that, for six months, the mothers of the cubs teach them everything they need to survive on their own. In some species, both males and females participate in the upbringing of offspring, some species of this animal differ in that only the mother brings up the cubs. Females of the red lynx become sexually mature after a year of life, males - after 2 years.

Lynx species

The lynx, like any feline, is excellent at climbing trees. On the branches, she feels much more comfortable than on the ground. Experts explain this by the structural features of the lynx.

European

european lynx is about the size of a large dog. The tail has a chopped off end, the body itself is dense. The European lynx has large long paws which allows her to easily climb trees.

The reed cat, or in other words, the swamp lynx, has its own distinctive features. This type of cat is extremely rare, its numbers are becoming smaller and smaller every year. For this reason, it was listed in the Red Book. main reason population decline is a feature of where this lynx lives. The cold winter months lead to a decrease in the population and the extinction of the species.

Their weight depends on the sex of the animal, the mass range is quite large, the lynx can weigh from 4 to 17 kilograms.

This cat breed develops good speed in thickets, and also jumps high. This is explained by strong powerful paws. Encounter a swamp lynx in wild nature succeeds extremely rarely. Another feature of this animal is that they have excellent vision at night.

Spanish

The Spanish lynx has many names, Pyrenean, Iberian and others. Many are concerned about the question of where the representative of this breed lives. Currently, most of these animals are in the territory national park, originally the Pyrenean lynx could be found in the forests and mountains of Portugal and Spain. The Spanish lynx was once one of the subspecies of the Eurasian lynx. However, experts have found that these two representatives of the cat family evolved separately.

The Spanish lynx is known for having smaller fur during the winter months. Its dimensions are not the largest, height is about 50 centimeters, length is 80 - 90 cm. The mass of the Spanish lynx lies in the range of 12 - 22 kilograms.

The Perenean lynx has brown or yellow fur, the spots may be the most different shapes and size. One of their main features is that the jaw is longer than that of other representatives of this class, the muzzle is rather narrow. These structural features allow the Perenean lynx to make the strongest bites, the victim dies from a maximum of 2 - 3.

Red

Another representative of the cat family is the red lynx. It is also called red or orange. Currently, the red lynx lives in North America. If we compare the sizes of a domestic lynx and a red one, the second will be approximately 2 times larger. The body of a red lynx can be up to 110 centimeters long, not including a 10-20 cm tail. The weight is about 10 kilograms. Distinctive feature red lynx - long and large paws, you can recognize the red lynx with the help of whiskers on the muzzle.


The red lynx has many habitats, it can be found in forests subtropical climate, in deserts with a hot climate, in wetlands and in the mountains. In some cases, red lynx can be found even in the suburbs. With any threat, this animal climbs a tree, where it feels very comfortable. The red lynx prefers to live where there is as little snow as possible. This is explained by the fact that her paws are not adapted to movement on snowy terrain.

Siberian

Despite the many species of cats, in northern regions The Russian Federation can only meet the Siberian lynx. Human activity in these regions has greatly affected the population of the Siberian lynx.

The wool of the Siberian lynx is highly valued in the market, which also led to the fact that this representative of the cat breed is currently in the red book. Siberian lynx has a unique structure that allows it to survive in cold climates. In addition to being an excellent tree climber, the animal also runs fast, swims well, jumps high and far. More often this animal is found in coniferous forests, however, their representatives can be found in the forest steppes. Some met lynxes beyond the Arctic Circle.

Desert

Under the desert lynx is understood wild representative of the cat family, another name for this animal is caracal. Translated from Turkish, the name of this beast means black ear.

Most likely to meet the caracal live in the wild in the desert, the beast is often found in Africa and Asia Minor. Currently, there are about 9 subspecies of the desert lynx.

This type of cat has a relatively subtle body no more than 85 centimeters long. Another characteristic feature of the caracal is its high ears, which are located vertically. Rigid hair cover allows the animal to easily move through the sand mixture. Many are concerned about the question of how much a lynx weighs, this breed weighs an average of 12 kilograms. The weight of males is slightly larger than that of females.

Content at home

The lynx is an unusually beautiful animal, and some people do not refuse to acquire such an animal at home. The beast has excellent grace and habits, which make it possible to admire this representative of the cat family for hours. However, before starting domestic lynx, you should take a closer look at them.

In conditions wild habitat it is extremely rare to meet a representative of this species. Its main activity occurs at night or in the evening, but in spring the caracal often walks during the day. Also, the animal sometimes shows daily activity in the winter months, which is explained by the lack of food. For this reason, the animal spends the time intended for rest in search of food.

The dwelling of this animal is presented in the form of a crevice in the rock, however, the caracal can settle in empty holes, which for some reason were left by a fox or other animal.

This representative of the cat breed very rarely remains hungry, this is due to his innate talents for hunting. powerful body and excellent hearing allow this beast to easily overtake the victim. Caracal can easily catch a bird from a flock that was supposed to take off. The lynx eats only animals or birds. This includes the antelope, the fox and even the ostrich.

Many fans of this beast are interested in the question of how much a lynx costs. Its cost can be compared with the cost of a foreign car or a new domestic car. This is explained by the small number of caracals. In the open spaces global network there are various prices that range from 450 thousand to 1 million rubles.

Previously, lynxes were kept at home so that the predator would help them protect the territory. It is possible to keep such an animal in an apartment, but for this you will have to make some sacrifices. The tray should be significantly larger than that of domestic cats. Caracal needs to be trained, it is recommended to immediately teach him to relieve himself during a walk. Fresh air this animal needs daily, as well as dogs. If you follow all the rules of animal training, then your furniture and home will remain safe and sound.

Enemies in the wild

The main danger for the lynx is a person. The fur of this animal is highly valued in the market, and this beast can also encroach on livestock. When the beast meets a man, he tries to hide from him on a tree. Very rarely, a lynx attacked a person first. If the animal was wounded, it will not run away, the beast tries to jump on the hunter and kill him.

Another danger for this beast is wolves. If the lynx is young, it does not climb the tree, but tries to run away from the pack, which always ends with the death of the feline. An experienced animal will sit on a tree until the pack stops besieging it.

The lynx is a popular animal due to its beauty. Many people visit the zoo because of their interest not only in elephants, tigers, but also in lynxes. However, even in such conditions, it is problematic to see it. The beast prefers to spend the daytime in a niche, they go out, basically, only in the early evening. People are treated with indifference, they do not show warm feelings towards zoo workers. This animal will be much more interested in a sparrow that accidentally flew into the aviary. The feline loves birds, for birds to fly into the lynx aviary - deadly danger. The females of the beast love to play, like any other cats, with round objects, in this case, these are pumpkins. Males in this regard are more cold-blooded, practically do not play.

  • This animal has one inexplicable habit of hiding meat and not returning for it.
  • The ears of this animal are able to catch the quietest sound, whether it is the breath of a person or a wolf.
  • The jump of the beast in height can reach 6 meters.
  • The Eurasian species can live in conditions of -55 degrees Celsius.
  • The beast does not like foxes very much and, if possible, destroys them. Connoisseurs explain this by the principle of hunting foxes, who love to feast on other people's prey. For this reason, when a feline sees a fox near his prey, he lets her get closer, and then rushes at the thief. The lynx will never eat it, the beast leaves the killed fox in place and leaves.

A report about the lynx, an animal from the cat family, itself close relative cats, outlined in this article.

message about lynx

The genus of lynx has 4 species:

  • Eurasian or common lynx.
  • Spanish or Pyrenean lynx.
  • Red Lynx.
  • Canadian lynx.

Description of the lynx

Among the cat family, the lynx is a relatively small representative of it. Body length is 76 - 139 cm, weight - up to 25 kg. The animal has a short body, a small head with oblong ears and tassels at the ends. The muzzle of the lynx is short, and the eyes are quite wide. On the cheeks, oblong hair resembling sideburns.

Trunk ends short tail. The fur is soft and very thick, with a dense undercoat. The animal molts twice a year. The color of the coat depends on the habitat and species. It ranges from reddish-gray to grayish-brown with dark, large spots on the sides and back. The hind legs are longer than the front legs.

Where does the lynx live?

Lynxes are common in the forests of North America and Eurasia. Sometimes they can be found beyond the Arctic Circle. Once upon a time, animals inhabited almost all of Europe, but because of its valuable, thick fur, at the beginning of the 20th century, it was almost completely exterminated.

Lynxes love to live in the taiga, mixed, mountain and coniferous forests. Less commonly, they live in the forest-tundra, areas with reeds and shrubs.

What does a lynx eat?

Since this animal is a predator, it feeds on mouse-like rodents, birds, hares, deer, roe deer, chamois and musk deer. Sometimes content with fish.

Reproduction and lifestyle

Predominantly hunts in the evening or at night. Leads a sedentary lifestyle. It is engaged in nomadism only when there are not enough fodder resources. mating season animals starts in February. Several males fight for the female at once, which make strange sounds. They give birth to cubs in a den at a height of 15 meters. It can be splits in rocks or tree hollows. There can be 3 helpless and blind cubs in a litter. The female is engaged in raising children herself, without a male.

Lynx lifespan in the wild up to 20 years.

  • Lynxes do not tolerate neighborhood with foxes. When they see cunning saffron milk caps on their territory, they immediately kill them. But they don't eat.
  • They have 4 fingers on their front fingers and 5 fingers on their back fingers.
  • The animal has very sharp eyesight.
  • The female, raising the babies, brings them live hares and mice so that the cubs learn to hunt for prey.
  • Tassels on the ears provide the lynx with incredible hearing. If they are cut off, then the acuity of hearing will decrease.
  • The ancient Greeks believed that animals could see through objects.

We hope that the message about lynx grade 4 helped you prepare for the lesson. And you can leave your story about the lynx through the comment form below.

Common or Eurasian lynx (lynx lynx)- one of four species of the lynx genus (lynx). it predatory mammal (Felidae) living in Russia Central Asia and Europe.

Description

Of the four species of lynx, the Eurasian lynx is the largest. They are also considered one of the largest predators in Europe, after the gray wolves. Body weight ranges from 18 to 36 kg, and length - from 70 to 130 cm. Height at the withers is from 60 to 65 cm. Sexual dimorphism is present, males are larger and stronger.

The coat has a gray, red or yellow color. There are three types of drawings: spotted, striped and solid. Large spots, small spots and rosettes may be present on the body of the animal. Drawings depend on the habitat. Belly, front of the neck, inner side paws and ears white color. The tail is short, with a hard black tip. Eurasian lynxes have long legs, sharp and retractable claws, a round muzzle, and triangular ears. Character traits common lynx: black tufts at the ends of the ears and noticeably elongated "whiskers". The paws are large and covered with hair, which helps them move through deep snow.

area

The Eurasian lynx is one of the most widely distributed cat species. Their habitat includes Russia, Central Asia and Europe. Today they occupy territory from Western Europe through the boreal forests of Russia and to the Tibetan plateau and Central Asia. The habitat is severely limited by the presence of people and their activities. The common lynx is difficult to meet in areas with large quantity settlements, railways and roads, as these factors are the causes of increased deaths and injuries. Lynx habitats depend on the presence of forest cover. Deforestation prevents the common lynx from dispersing throughout Europe and Asia.

Habitat

Eurasian lynxes live in various environments a habitat. In Europe and Siberia, forest areas with dense populations of ungulates are preferred. AT Central Asia, they meet in open, rare forests, rocky hills and mountains in desert areas. Common lynxes also live in rocky areas and dense forests on the northern slopes of the Himalayas.

reproduction

Breeding takes place every year from February to April. The female's estrus lasts about three days per season. The male and receptive female spend several days together and copulate many times a day. After the female ends her estrus, the male leaves her and looks for another. During the season, the female has only one partner.

Pregnancy lasts from 67 to 74 days, cubs are born in May. The interval between matings depends on the success of the previous season. Females without cubs will mate every year, while females with offspring will mate about every 3 years. As a rule, a female is born from 2 to 3 lynxes. Newborns weigh between 300 and 350 g and depend on the nutrition and protection of the mother. They are weaned at 4 months and become independent at 10 months of age. Sexual maturity in females occurs at 2 years of age and lasts up to 14 years, while males mature after 3 years and are able to breed up to 17 years.

Lifespan

The common lynx can live up to 17 years in the wild and 24 years in captivity. Infant mortality is high.

Food

Like other members of the feline family, bobcats are strictly carnivorous and consume only meat. Other types (, and) of lynxes prefer rabbits and hares. The Eurasian lynx preys mainly on ungulates. Small ungulates such as European roe deer (Capreolus Capreolus), musk deer and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) make up the majority of their diet, but European lynxes are known to prey on large ungulates such as moose and caribou due to their vulnerability in winter. Common lynxes also supplement their diet with foxes, rabbits, hares, rodents and birds. They consume 1 to 2 kg of meat per day. The Eurasian lynx stalks its prey by camouflaging itself in dense vegetation and approaches quietly so as not to be seen. Then she pounces on the prey, and commits deadly bite by the neck or muzzle until the animal is suffocated. They hide the killed victim under logs or cover it with vegetation in order to eat it later in private. They hide uneaten prey in hiding places and later return for it.

In most of its range, the Eurasian lynx intersects with three other large predators: gray wolves, brown bears and wolverines. brown bears mostly and not strongly compete with lynxes for prey. Gray wolves and lynxes tend to exist peacefully. They have different preferences and hunting styles. Gray wolves are larger than common lynxes and primarily prey on deer, while Eurasian lynxes focus on roe deer and small ungulates. Lynxes are solitary hunters who hide in dense vegetation, behind fallen logs, or in the snow before attacking. Competition between these species may occur in areas where roe deer, deer, or other ungulates are in short supply.

Behavior

Common lynxes prefer single image life. A long-term relationship is formed between a mother and her cubs. Lynxes are most active in the morning and evening. When the animals are not active, they rest under the cover of thick bushes, in tall grass, or in trees. Eurasian lynxes are primarily terrestrial, but are highly experienced in climbing and swimming.

Range

Individual home ranges can range from 25 to 2,800 square kilometers, depending on habitat, density, and prey availability. On average, the territories of females are in the range from 100 to 200 square kilometers, and males - from 240 to 280 square kilometers. Females choose the area based on the availability of prey and natural resources needed to raise offspring. They occupy smaller ranges when grooming lynxes. Home ranges may overlap between mother and cubs or other females. Males choose territories with wide access to females and their home ranges. One male, crosses with 1 or 2 females and their offspring. The ranges of both sexes tend to depend on the availability of prey.

Communication and perception

Little is known about the relationships between Eurasian lynxes. Their vocalizations are weak and rare. They have keen eyesight and hearing, which is mainly used to locate prey and potential mates. Males and females mark their home ranges with gland secretions and urine.

Predation

Eurasian lynxes do not have natural enemies, but there have been cases of killing by tigers, wolves and wolverines.

Role in the ecosystem

The Eurasian lynx was close to extinction due to high fur hunting in the early 1900s. Currently, commercial hunting is illegal in all countries except Russia. Eurasian lynxes are heavily guarded in Afghanistan, where all hunting and trading is illegal. However, illegal fur trading does occur in some countries.

Economic value to humans: Negative

As a rule, the common lynx does not attack people, except for direct threat and traps. People sometimes complain that lynxes prey on livestock and pets. In most European countries, programs have been established for farmers and pastoralists to compensate for losses.

conservation status

Habitat loss due to deforestation, loss of prey due to hunting, illegal hunting and killing for the fur trade are major threats to the common lynx. In the 1960s and 70s, the Eurasian lynx was reintroduced in Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland. To date, the population of the common lynx causes the least concern.

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The lynx is a peculiar animal belonging to the cat family. The lynx really resembles a huge cat, only the tail is short, as if chopped off, and there are tassels on the ears. The skin of the lynx is grayish-brown with iridescent spots. Dark spots are scattered on the paws. The lynx perfectly climbs trees and runs fast, its jump can reach a length of 4 m.

Where does the lynx live: lynx habitat

Lynx takes large range in the northern hemisphere of the planet. In Russia, it lives mainly in the taiga forests of the European part and in Siberia, although in some places it penetrates along river valleys with willows even into the tundra. The highest number and population density of the lynx is observed on the territory of the southern subzone of the taiga and in the subzone mixed forests. In the vast expanses of the range in Russia, individuals differ greatly not only in size, but also in color. The same pattern is manifested even in certain areas. Two lynxes caught in one woodland, the degree of spotting can vary greatly. In one animal, spotting can be rare and blurred, while in another animal it can be thick and contrasting, and almost all over the body.

The total number of lynx in our country is estimated at about 30 thousand individuals.

Hunters will be interested to know that in our country the lynx is larger than its relatives on the North American continent. If in Canada its weight does not exceed 18 kilograms, then lynxes living in Russia reach a weight of 20 kilograms or more.

Lynx food. What does a lynx eat

An adult lynx needs 1.5 - 2.3 kg of meat per day. AT different parts The range of the lynx uses numerous animals for food. So, in the northern regions, its victims are most often reindeer and a white hare. In the southern regions, roe deer often become its prey among ungulates. Of the birds, the capercaillie, black grouse and hazel grouse most often become victims of the lynx. In winter, ungulates serve as prey for the lynx much more often than during the snowless period, when small animals predominate in its diet - from white hare to voles. On the Far East Spotted deer and red deer become the prey of the lynx. Of course, everywhere among ungulates, first of all, young animals come across. Everywhere on a vast strip of forest regions, from Karelia to Siberia, the main object of hunting for the lynx is the white hare. Ungulate animals, like upland game, come to the fore only in places. It is on its numbers that the well-being of the lynx primarily depends. It is estimated that one lynx eats one hare every four days. Most lynx catches hares in winter. In summer, she has a richer choice of food.

The lynx has very beautiful fur, which in recent decades demand continues to be high. They hunt lynx in the middle - late autumn: during this period, the fur of the beast becomes High Quality. in Western and Central Europe lynx is extremely rare. In the 20th century, only small habitats of the lynx remained in Europe - these are the mountains of the Pyrenees, the Balkans and the Carpathians.

Habits and how the lynx hunts

Hunting is the main occupation of the lynx. During the day, the predator rests in the lair, which usually arranges in the most remote thicket, and goes out in search of prey late in the evening. The beast rushes to the prey with lightning speed and accurately, so the hunt almost always ends in luck.

There are many legends about the lynx instinct and its hunting. For example, it is believed that the lynx always eats only fresh meat and disdains carrion. Experienced hunters they say that the motley predator, after sitting in an ambush for several days, still eats very little, as if she was not hungry, and never returns to the abandoned prey. Foxes, to whom the lynx has a special dislike, often receive such a fate. In general, a lynx hunts whenever it sees a suitable animal.

The lynx usually lives alone and does not make any sounds unnecessarily. Only in February, during the rut in the forest, you can hear a lynx cry, a bit like a cat's, but louder and sharper. In May, the lynx gives birth to 2 - 3 tiny cubs. At first, they are very similar to kittens, but from the age of two months a predator wakes up in them. They catch mice and weasels, carefully brought by their parents. Already in October, lynxes begin to hunt in families. A one-year-old lynx can live quite independently. For all its caution, the lynx is not very afraid of people. Characteristic traces remain in the snow: the lynx walks with its toes wide apart. The danger lies in the fact that you can never judge the number of animals: the animals go trail after trail. But you can find several animals only during the rut, when they lose their vigilance.

Lynx hunting with huskies: how to hunt lynx

To get this careful cunning beast, you need to know the habits of a lynx well. During the night, the lynx usually travels no more than 12 - 15 km. Her pace is slow and businesslike. Stopping often, she listens, sniffs, and smelling her prey, begins to hide it. Having obtained a hare, she does not eat it all, but hides the rest in the snow, but does not always return to dig up and finish eating the meat. But, having slaughtered an elk, she sometimes lingers in this place for a considerable time. Being full, the lynx travels four or five kilometers and stops for a day. For this purpose, she chooses the most remote areas of the forest or a hummocky swamp. In these cases, having a set of light flags, you can bypass the lynx and hunt for it with a roundup.

An interesting hunt for lynxes with animal huskies. Knowing the tracts where the family of lynxes keeps, hunters go there with huskies, while the snow is still not deep. Having found fresh tracks of lynxes, hunters must persistently pursue them, making it clear to the dogs that they are only interested in these animals. If the lynx trail is fresh enough, the huskies will work with great eagerness. When the animals are nearby, even young dogs will run ahead, and if they are brave enough, they will rush to attack the departing predators.

From two assertive huskies, every lynx will certainly go to a tree, where the hunter finds it. With a sure shot of small buckshot or a bullet at the front of the carcass, you need to kill the beast on the spot so as not to risk your dogs. A wounded lynx can severely cripple huskies, especially young and inexperienced ones.

When one husky goes with the hunter, the possibility is not excluded that the pursued lynxes can accept the challenge, and if the dog is not vicious and strong enough, it will face a life-and-death struggle. But, fortunately, cases of death of huskies on lynx hunts are extremely rare. Usually surprisingly nimble and vicious dogs manage to drive lynxes up a tree. Of course, dogs must be strong, powerful and viciously treat the lynx.

Lynx hunting with traps

Lynxes can be successfully caught in traps. Having tracked down that the animals go to the meat they have obtained - the carcass of an elk or other animal, - traps must be set on the path they have pierced. The best traps for lynxes, as well as for wolves, No. 5, preferably frame ones. They should be well processed: cleaned of rust and boiled in a boiler with spruce or pine needles. You need to wear such traps in a clean canvas bag or bag, be sure to work in clean canvas mittens.

Basic rules for setting a trap for lynx hunting

1. With a spatula used by trappers, snow is selected under the trail of a lynx so that a trap with arms folded to the side can be placed in the trench that has been taken out. The thinner the layer of snow with the imprint of the trail of the past beast remains above the trap, the better. Before setting the trap, the snow in the trench must be compacted with a shovel. So that the iron of the trap does not shine through, some hunters cover it on top with a sheet of white paper.

2. A square of snow is cut out around the animal's footprint with a spatula, the paw print is preserved. This piece is carefully set aside. Then, in the dug hole, the snow is compacted with a shovel, a trap is placed, and a cut piece of snow with the trace of the beast is placed on top of it so that the trace is exactly above the trap. All traces of their work are carefully disguised. It is necessary to approach the trail of the beast and set the trap because of some kind of cover, for example, from behind a bush or stump, so that the beast, walking along its path, does not find the trace of the hunter. When disguising a trap, it is necessary to carefully sprinkle all the places where snow was removed or selected from above. You need to leave the alert trap on your own trail, backing away and carefully closing up with a spatula and powdering your tracks. Alert traps should be checked every morning, passing by and not approaching the trail of the beast ...

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The lynx is a large predatory cat. Which can be found in the forests of Russia, North America, Eurasia and the Arctic. On the territory of Russia, the Siberian lynx is mainly found.

What does a common lynx look like? It has a body length of 80 cm to 130 cm and a height of about 70 cm. It is the size of a sick dog. The weight of males reaches up to 30 kg, in females up to 18 kg. The body is dense, short. The difference between a lynx and other individuals of the cat family is the presence of tassels on the tips of the ears. It has a short "stump", that is, a tail.

The head is in proportion to the body, small and rounded. The muzzle is shortened, the eyes and pupils are round. Due to the long hairline along the edges of the muzzle, the impression of the presence of "buoys" is created.

Lynx fur is considered very valuable, there is no such thing in the family of its kind. It is distinguished by its silkiness, height and density. Fur is updated, like any individual in spring and autumn. There is a small speck on the belly on a pure white background.

Powerful paws and an elongated pile that becomes winter time dense, distinguish the northern individual from her like.

Good winter pubescence makes “skis” out of the paws of the lynx, due to which it manages to easily move through the snow, which has a loose consistency. This is the main difference between the northern lynx and its relatives.

The color completely depends on where the lynx lives. Southern individuals are red in color. Northern - from brownish-red to fawn with a haze. The back, sides and paws have pronounced spots. On the bellies has white soft, long hair, which in rare cases diluted with flecks.

The lynx is the closest individual to the domestic cat. Although it has significant outward difference. Traces resemble those of a cat, without visible manifestations of claws, hind legs go "track to track" with the front ones.

Where does the lynx live

Lynx habitats have an extensive geographical territoriality. You can meet her at:

  • Azerbaijan;
  • Albania;
  • Belarus;
  • Hungary;
  • Georgia;
  • Spain;
  • Kazakhstan;
  • Canada;
  • China;
  • Ukraine;
  • Mongolia;
  • Russia;
  • Romania;
  • Estonia.

Is not full list predator habitat.

Lynx lifestyle

The predatory cat prefers to live in cluttered, hard-to-reach dark coniferous forests. But you can meet its habitats in different places: forest-tundra, mountain forests, forest-steppe and the Arctic. Spots on the coat help the animal on the hunt while hunting for food. During the day, due to spots, it is lost in the glare sun rays, which are reflected from the crowns of trees, and in the evening and at dawn it disguises itself as twilight.

The lynx leads a sedentary lifestyle, but when there is a shortage of food supplies, it migrates to other places richer in food. The distance overcomes up to 30 km per day. What does a lynx eat? Its main diet is hares, beavers, small rodents, partridges and hazel grouses. Less often - small roe deer, fallow deer, wild boar and elk. Can eat black grouse and raccoon dogs.

A predatory cat is easily tamed. When fully accustomed to a person, she allows herself to be picked up and purrs like an ordinary domestic cat, only as loud as a running electric motor. During the existence of lynxes, not a single case of an attack on a person was recorded.

By its power, it can do it easily, like a cheetah, a tiger or a lion, but no, it does not. But it can kill pets.

The cat also feels good in zoos, under the conditions created for it, close to natural.

Hunting and food

Basically, the hunting time of the lynx is twilight. She lies in wait for prey sitting in ambush or slowly sneaks up to the victim in order to overtake her with one jump. The lynx never jumps on a prey from a branch, it hides behind trees, fallen branches and stumps, sometimes sits on a thick bough.

Creeping up to the victim at a distance of 15 meters, she pounces on her in several jumps. If an unsuccessful attempt to kill the victim the first time, the predator starts the chase, usually the fleeing animal manages to escape. The cat is not endowed with endurance and grabs it for 60-80 m of the chase.

When attacking a large animal, the predator bites into the throat and claws into the front of the body. It torments until the animal gives up and falls dead. The lynx attacks foxes and martens, thereby protecting its hunting grounds. She eats a small portion of food at a time. The rest hides, burying in the snow or in inaccessible places for other predators, but does not try, so it often remains without supplies.

Therefore, it happens that the lynx remains to guard its half-eaten food on the spot, even if it is full. Since smaller lovers fresh meat- sables and columns, quickly take away carelessly buried food remnants. And the wolverine, knowing the hunting abilities of the red cat, often pursues her during the hunt. At the first opportunity, he takes away the food he has obtained or waits until the hunter is fed, and then disposes of the leftovers.

On average, one roe deer is enough to feed a lynx for 3-4 days; for a brood, this is the daily norm. The cat eats salmon during the week. The hare is eaten within two days.

The lynx is a very cautious animal, but even so, it is not afraid of people. The animal is located in secondary forest plantations created by people, in young forests and burnt areas. And where there is not enough food, for example, in mountainous areas, it visits settlements. There were cases when she was met in urban areas. She herself does not attack people, but in case of protection from an attack, she can seriously injure.

The common lynx is of great benefit to forests. Along with the "doctors" of the forest - wolves, it mainly exterminates sick, wounded and weak animals.

Reproduction and lifespan

Predators breed from mid-February and throughout March. In nature, several males can follow a female. Which sometimes in cruel matches win for themselves the honor of being the father of future offspring. The place where the offspring should appear is prepared by the mother in advance. She finds a secluded hole and there she lines a place for future kittens with bird feathers, dry grasses and animal hair. The gestation period lasts from 60 to 70 days.

The offspring usually occurs from the end of April to June, it depends on the geographical location of the lynx. The weight of a newborn kitten is on average 300 grams. Babies are born blind and deaf. Over time, these feelings develop fully. They feed exclusively on mother's milk until the formation of milk teeth occurs. After two months of age, babies begin to feed on the food that the mother produces. Milk feeding continues for several more months until the lynxes are fully grown. The male does not take any part in the upbringing of the offspring. Three months later, the kittens begin their first forays out of the den and follow their mother everywhere.

The color of the young offspring is light brown tones. True coloring appears only at the age of nine months. BUT features in the form of "whiskers" and tassels on the ears appear only by the age of one and a half years already matured lynxes.

The family continues its common existence, until the next rut. If for some reason. The female did not bring offspring, then the family remains together for another term. Lynxes are read by sex and age at the age of 1.5-2 years.

Average duration life in nature in a lynx is 12-15 years. Long-livers are individuals who live up to 20 years, such cases have been recorded by lovers of the animal world.

In Russian zoos, the lynx is a permanent resident and is not a rare species. It adapts well to life and reproduction in captivity.

The breeding season, as well as in nature, falls at the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Since they do not have to move in search of food, they mostly sleep. With kittens, things are different, these restless little ones have destructive and ubiquitous abilities. They are usually activated in the evening. Their restlessness continues up to 1.5 years.

In zoos predatory cats accustom to the tray.

Feed after milk feeding exclusively meat. Rabbit, veal, turkey, chicken. An adult eats up to three kilograms of meat per day, up to five in winter.