In the northern hemisphere of the planet, there are quite significant for the size of the area inhabited by the lynx.These carnivorous felines can be seen not only in forest areas in the subtropical forests, but even in the tundra.
Appearance
Trot and in fact looks like a very large cat, differing only a short tail and brushes on the tips of the ears.Its weight is usually not more than 25 kg, and the length of the body may be from 75 to 130 cm. Body dense with a small round head.The face is framed by the elongated stiff wool, similar to the whiskers.The fur is very thick, especially in winter, when there is undercoat.The most common animals with reddish-gray color and dark spots, randomly located throughout the body.But coat color depends on the species and on where the lynx lives in a zone, so it may be a different shade.
limbs in structure somewhat different from the cat.Hind legs longer than the front and lynx have only 4 fingers.In winter, the pads are overgrown with thick hair, which allows the animal to move easily through the snow without sinking in the snowdrifts.Feet seem to be too wide for such a small animal, but that such a structure helps predator successfully hunt for food.Beautiful tassels on the ears act as an antenna through which the lynx is great to hear the softest sounds.This is an animal of great leaps (up to 4 meters in length), climb trees and run very fast.Like all members of the cat family, it is distinguished by extraordinary strength and agility.
Species
lynx genus includes several species: Pyrenean, Canada, red, Eurasian plain.The smallest is the bobcat, living in North America.Its height - no more than 35 cm at the withers.The most important representative of this type is considered to be common Eurasian lynx, which lives almost on the whole territory of Russia, including the Arctic, and can occur in a completely impassable areas of Siberia.Dense forest, thickets of young - these are the places where lynx are found more often.
significantly inferior to the size of the Canadian lynx, is the closest relative of the Eurasian.This North American cat inhabits almost the entire territory of Canada and the northern US states, preferring to settle in the coniferous forests, where there is a dense undergrowth.
special kind - yarkopyatnistaya Iberian lynx.She is on the verge of extinction.Only in Portugal and southern Spain occasionally still found these animals.Deforestation has led to the territory, home to lynx, becomes smaller.In addition, because of the beautiful bright fur leopard hunters often shoot these animals.
Habitats
Lynx found on the territory of almost all European countries, as well as in Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Greece, China, Azerbaijan and Georgia.In the Americas, the largest number of these predators is observed in the southeastern United States, Canada and Mexico.
In Russia, the largest population of lynx featured in boreal regions and in the zone of mixed forests.More recently, the animals settled in Kamchatka.Our country is huge, so the areas inhabited by lynx in Russia, may be very distant from each other from a distance.As a result, the animals of one species can be very different, not only in size, but also color, degree spot.
favorite place for young lynx are overgrown - it is most convenient to arrange lair.Basically this predator chooses to live any timber (pine, mixed, mountain), inhabited by bear, moose.Lynx can be found in the forest, where a lot of shrubs, other low vegetation, and even the Arctic Circle.
The lynx eats
This predator, respectively, he prefers fresh meat, which requires at least 2-3 kg per day.Objects of hunting are very different animals - from field mice to deer and reindeer.The food is dependent on habitats.But the main prey of lynx usually a hare.It was from its abundance in the region, home to lynx, and their well-being depends.One caught a rabbit predator is enough for 4 days.As a rule, preys on them, it is mostly in winter when food selection is small.In the taiga of prey animals are often clever and wild boars.Lynx is able to deftly and quietly get close to the victim and kill her with one blow of his powerful paw.In addition, huge fangs predator canines similar to a leopard or leopard.Among the victims is a lot of birds that fall into these canines.Normally this grouse, capercaillie and hazel grouse.
Lifestyle
Lynx - a single animal.During his life, it rarely produces any sounds.The sharp cry of a lynx-like cat, can only be heard during the mating season, which usually happens in February.This animal is extremely careful.All day lynx holds in his lair, which is in a deep more often.Late at night she goes hunting.He leads a sedentary life and only when food resources in the area of habitat to an end, migrates to another territory.The day could cover the distance of 30 km.
Habits
lot you can find information about the lynx - what to eat, where lives, but its unusual habits, too, deserve attention.For example, in the animal food uses only fresh meat, disdaining carrion.To the residue production, it never comes back, though, and buries them in the ground.And does it very casually, and reaching her footsteps fox and wolverine often use the remains of the feast.
Each individual has its own hunting territory.Lynx different bloodlust.She almost always hunts and kills animals often at the same time much more than what can eat.For Foxes trot it is particularly dislike, which is caused by the food competition.But killing a fox, it has never become.Hunting for a lynx usually ends with success.Waiting for its prey in a tree, she lightning strikes it.Due to the developed rear limbs lynx can catch even birds flying up from the ground.
When the forest is not enough food, the predator can visit and nearby villages and farms.There for it is easy to steal a chicken or lamb.
Reproduction During the mating season the female is accompanied by several males, who are constantly in conflict with each other.Pregnancy lasts for about 2 months.About 5 hours before delivery trot begins to arrange lair.Usually, it is making it to the mark - in tree holes or rock crevices.Cubs are born in late April - early May, the blind weighing up to 300 grams, and open their eyes only two weeks.
mother feeds them her milk for a month, then begins to bring kids mice, rabbits.At the age of 3 months Young has followed her mother, and another 2 months after beginning to themselves to acquire the first hunting skills.When they turn a year, the mother drives away rysyat away, they begin an independent life.In the year and a half females become sexually mature males mature a year later.Life expectancy is an average lynx 15-20 years.
Despite the fact that not many places in the world where in the wild does not dwell lynx, the population of this animal is reduced.The reason is habitat destruction and excessive hunting of these beautiful animals.In some European countries they have virtually wiped out.
