Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
The Eurasian Lynx cat is one of the four Lynxes in the Lynx family of cats. The other close relatives of this cat are the Iberian Lynx, Canada Lynx and the Bobcat. The Eurasian and Iberian Lynxes are found in Eurasia and the Canada Lynx and Bobcat in North America.
The Eurasian Lynx is the largest of the four wild cats in the Lynx genus and has variable coat patterns across its widespread range across Europe and Asia. The coat texture and color varies with the seasons - darker and thinner in the warm summers and paler and thicker in cooler winters.
Due to persecution by farmers, as well as hunting for their luxurious fur, Eurasian Lynx have disappeared from large areas within their range. Some of the isolated sub-populations that are remaining are now severely threatened.
Eurasian Lynx Audio
Listen to a short audio taken from the Eurasian Lynx chapter from The Wild Cat Book by Fiona and Mel Sunquist.
This excerpt covers how the Lynx lineage arose from the ancestral Issoire Lynx, as well as an interesting theory as to why these cats have ear tufts.
368 Observations of Eurasian Lynx on iNaturalist
There are currently 368 images of Eurasian Lynx on iNaturalist and many are just signs of the animal (such as scats and tracks), so it is rare to glimpse this cat in the wild AND get a photograph.
iNaturalist is a global platform for the public to upload images of wild creatures they have seen in nature. If you have any photos of natural biodiversity from your travels be sure to open an account and upload your images. Identification is verified by other members and the data can be used in future research. A great way to contribute to conservation and research!
Note there are images of dead animals in case you are a sensitive viewer.
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