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 Bobcat species belongs to the genus Lynx and the full taxonomy or scientific classification is:
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)
Subspecies:
L.l rufus
L.l fasciatus
The scientific name for the Bobcat is Lynx rufus; which is also known as the binomial name, species name, Latin name, biological name or zoological name.
View Lynxes of the World Print
Bobcat (Lynx rufus) Subspecies
Bobcat Lower Classifications
Historically twelve Bobcat subspecies were recognized however the last Felidae taxonomic revision in 2017 only recognized 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 global conservation status of the Bobcat is Least Concern (LC) and it is one of the more common and adaptable feline species.
The following organizations are involved in rescue and rehabilitation of Bobcats that have been injured in urban environments, as well as ongoing essential research:
Big Cat Rescue - Bobcat Rehabilitation
Please support these organizations with their important work if you can. No matter the size of your contribution, every bit helps!
View Wild Cats of North America Print
Bobcat Facts and Information
The following websites have well researched and authoritative information on Bobcats:
- Bobcat Status and Distribution Map - IUCN Red List
- Bobcat Detailed Information - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
- Bobcat Academic Literature pdf - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
- Bobcat Fact Sheet pdf - Wildscreen Arkive
- Bobcat Overview - ISEC Int. Soc. Endangered Cats
