Bobcat - Lynx rufus - Lynx Genus
California bobcat, Lynx rufus, Bill Wight, Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA
Bill W Ca at English Wikipedia [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are one of the adaptable felines that are adjusting to human settlements in North America. However in the more urban areas this brings new direct threats such as vehicle collisions and rodenticides, as well as indirect threats through highways creating barriers to dispersal.

Lynx Lineage

1. Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)

2. Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis)

3. Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)

4. Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Key Facts about Bobcats

~ Variable coloring & size ~

~ All of USA except Delaware ~

~ Highest skins legal fur trade ~

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) Classification

The taxonomy, scientific classification or higher classification of the Bobcat species (Lynx rufus) is as follows:

Kingdom: Animalia (animals)

Phylum: Chordata (vertebrates)

Class: Mammalia (mammals)

Order: Carnivora (carnivores)

Suborder: Feliformia (cat-like)

Family: Felidae (cats)

Subfamily: Felinae (small cats)

Genus: Lynx

Species: Lynx rufus (Bobcat)

Lynxs of the World Print
Lynxes of the World Print by Roger Hall
View Lynxes of the World Print

Bobcat hunting at water's edge by Joe McDonald

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) Subspecies

Bobcat Lower Classifications

The global conservation status of the Bobcat is Least Concern (LC) and it is one of the more common and adaptable feline species. Historically twelve Bobcat subspecies were recognized however the current Felidae taxonomic revision only recognizes two of these, with two subspecies requiring further research.

1. Lynx rufus rufus - East of the Great Plains, North America

includes the previous subspecies: L. r. rufus, L. r. superiorensis, L. r. floridanus, L. r. gigas

2. Lynx rufus fasciatus - West of the Great Plains, North America

includes the previous subspecies L. r. pallescens, L. r. baileyi, L. r. fasciatus, L. r. californicus, L. r. peninsularis, L. r. texensis

Requiring further research are the Mexican subspecies - L. r. esquinapae and L. r. oaxacensis

Bobcat Conservation and Research

The following organizations are involved in rescue and rehabilitation of Bobcats that have been injured in urban environments, as well as ongoing essential research:

Bobcat nursing with kittens by Erwin & Peggy Bauer

Wild Cats of North America Print
Wild Cats of North America by Roger Hall
View Wild Cats of North America Print

Bobcat Facts and Information

The following websites have well researched and authoritative information on Bobcats: