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Scientific Name : Lynx l. lynx
This species of lynx ( the
Eurasion lynx ) is found in Russia and Scandinavia. There are also a few in
France, Italy and the Balkans.
Northern lynx are from Canada and Alaska.
Lynx live in the coniferous forests of the north, where there is thick snow for much of the year.
Lynx are carnivorous, feeding
on meat and fish. They catch hares, rabbits, rodents, weasels, foxes, and even
small deer.They are good swimmers so they can catch fish too.
Powerful jaws, long pointed teeth and sharp retractable claws make lethal hunting
weapons.
Few animals would tackle an adult lynx, but the young might be taken by cougars, coyotes, wolves and owls.
Lynx mate in March and give birth to 2-5 kittens after a pregnancy lasting nine weeks. The young stay with their parents for most of the first year, learning how to hunt.
Lynx have adapted to
the cold in several ways:
1. Thicker coat than most cats.
2. Long legs and big, furry feet.
3. Short tail -long tails are prone to frostbite in freezing temperatures.
The lynx's light, spotted coat helps to camouflage it from prey.
Lynx are not particularly fast runners; they creep up on their victim and ambush it!
They are mainly nocturnal
(active at night) and hunt in dense forest so they rellly more on their
sense of hearing than their eyesight.
Facts and Figures |
|
Name |
lynx |
Type of animal |
mammal |
Where found |
Europe, Asia, North America |
Habitat |
forests |
Diet |
carnivorous |
Average length |
100 cm |
Average weight |
24 kg |
Average number of young per year |
3 |
Gestation |
63 days |
Maximum lifespan |
25 years |