All Types of Lynx Species with Characteristics

When we want to know how many different lynx species exist, we need to be aware that the current number of lynx species is different from the total ever known. At the moment, there are 4 known extant lynx species which are:

• Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
• Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis)
• Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)
• Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

These four species are the only living lynx species of which science is currently aware. However, fossil records reveal two other species identifiable as lynx: Lynx issiodorensis (Issoire lynx) and Lynx thomasi. It is believed that all lynx species derive from Lynx issiodorensis, making it a significant part of their evolutionary history.

Before we look at the individual lynx species, we want to take a look at the general characteristics which all lynx species share, i.e., what makes a lynx a lynx. All lynx types are medium-sized felines and are characterized by their short tail, which is between 10 and 20 cm in length. Also, their ears are particularly long and pointed, aiding in their exceptional hearing abilities.

A black ‘plume’ of hair emanates from the lynx's ears. It is very characteristic of the lynx species and can be seen in a few other feline species such as the caracal (Caracal caracal). It can also be seen in some domestic cat breeds with tufted ears such as the Norwegian Forest Cat or Maine Coon.

The tufts of hair in the lynx's ears are not just decorative. They serve a crucial role in helping them pick up sounds over very long distances and assist in camouflaging within their environment. Coupled with their tabby-like cat patterns, these features make them adept hunters. Their favorite prey includes other mammal species such as rabbits, and they usually hunt at twilight or at night. Not only are they nocturnal animals, but they are solitary and very territorial.

Unlike other cat species, lynxes are usually monogamous. However, they can also exhibit polygyny, where a male may guard the territory of several females. This is reflected in their sexual dimorphism, with males being approximately 30% larger than females. Both sexes can live between 10 and 24 years, with the largest species living the longest. In the following sections, we will explore how each lynx species is uniquely different.

The bobcat, sometimes referred to as the red lynx, is distributed across North America, covering Southern Canada, the USA, and large parts of Mexico. Their habitat spans various ecosystems, including forests, scrubland, and even deserts. It is likely this diversity of terrain which makes them such opportunistic predators. While they have a varied diet, their main prey are hares, but they also eat rodents, birds, possums, and some types of small ungulates.

All types of lynx have a shorter tail which is referred to as ‘bobbed’, but the bobcat's tail is distinctive with a white bottom and black lines. This bobbed tail is where their name originates. Often confused with the Canada lynx due to their overlapping territories, the bobcat has shorter ear tufts, shorter legs, and smaller feet.

The bobcat's fur color varies depending on the region they inhabit. You can find individuals with brown, yellowish, beige, reddish, gray, and even albino fur. Their size also varies considerably, with northern individuals generally larger than those from the south. Males can reach up to about 40 lbs (18.3 kg) in weight. While claims of bobcat subspecies exist, only two are widely acknowledged:

• Lynx rufus rufus: east of the Great Plains of North America.
• Lynx rufus fasciatus: west of the Great Plains of North America.

With their adaptability and survival skills, bobcats are a fascinating example of resilience in the wild.

The Canadian lynx inhabits the boreal forests of Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States. Within these forests, it is common to see them in clearings, bushy areas, and pastures. This is where American hares (Lepus americanus) live in abundance, serving as their main prey and accounting for between 60 and 97% of their diet. They complement this diet with birds and rodents, mainly squirrels.

Weighing only about 12 kg (26.5 lbs), the Canadian lynx is a lighter species. Their rear legs are notably longer than the front, giving their back a raised, sloping appearance. Their fur is denser than that of the bobcat, and they have relatively larger feet with abundant hair between the paw pads. These adaptations allow their feet to act like snowshoes, enabling them to move easily through deep snow.

As with other lynx species, the coat of the Canadian lynx can have several shades, usually reddish brown or grayish brown. Albino individuals are rare. They may also have dark spots, although they are less noticeable than in other types of lynx. Their ears feature a distinctive black border, similar to the black tip that ends on their tail. These features, combined with their hunting prowess, make the Canadian lynx a remarkable example of survival in cold climates.

The Eurasian lynx, also known as the boreal lynx, is found across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Typically inhabiting forests, they can also be found in bushy areas and even steppes. In these habitats, they primarily feed on medium-sized ungulates, such as roe deer, chamois, or reindeer, which make up around 80% of their diet. When these prey are scarce, they may turn to hares, wild boars, birds, and even foxes.

Our article on unique steppe animals shows some of the other animals which can live in these areas.

As the largest of all the different lynx species, Eurasian lynxes can weigh up to 25 kg (55 lbs) and measure 3.9' (1.2 m) in length. Their tail, also longer than other lynx species, can reach up to 9" (23 cm). They have wide feet that grow extra fur in winter, protecting them against the cold and acting as snowshoes.

The Eurasian lynx can be reddish, gray, or even yellowish in color, although they have a white chest and belly. They are normally covered in dark spots, though not all individuals exhibit them. Due to their wide distribution, six subspecies of the Eurasian lynx are recognized, each adapted to their specific regional environments:

• Northern Lynx (Lynx lynx lynx): northern Europe and western Siberia.
• Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus): Balkans.
• Carpathian lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus): central and eastern Europe.
• Caucasian lynx (Lynx lynx dinniki): Caucasus, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq.
• Turkestan lynx (Lynx lynx isabellinus): Central Asia.
• Siberian lynx (Lynx lynx wrangeli): eastern Russia and China.

The Eurasian lynx's adaptability and hunting skills make it a formidable predator in its diverse habitats.

The Iberian lynx is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. At the beginning of the 20th century, this feline was very abundant in much of Spain and Portugal. However, today it is in danger of extinction. Although they have been introduced elsewhere, there are only two stable populations: one in Doñana and the other in Sierra Morena (Andalusia). Their ecosystem is still preserved in shrubland where they hunt rabbits and other animals of the Iberian peninsula.

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) represents more than 80% of their diet, making the Iberian lynx completely dependent on its existence for survival. Their hunting strategy involves stealth and precision. They hide in the bushes and only usually need to launch a few meters towards their prey. This efficient hunting technique is aided by their size, with males reaching a maximum weight of 28.5 lbs (13 kg). Their entire body is covered by brown or tawny fur with highly variable dark spots.

Their head is quite small, as with other types of lynx. On both sides of their face are black and white locks that form a very noticeable beard. They have beautiful greenish-yellow eyes, surrounded by a black line. Their tail measures about 5.5 " (14 cm) and ends in a black tip.

Efforts are ongoing to conserve this critically endangered species, focusing on habitat restoration and increasing rabbit populations to ensure the Iberian lynx can thrive in its natural environment.

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