Eurasian Lynx Natural History
Size
The Eurasian Lynx is a medium cat which stands 60-75 cm (24-30 inches) at the shoulder and weighs around 30 kg.
Habitat and Distribution
This is a very wide spread species, this lynx can be found in many areas throughout Asia and Europe where it tends to prefer mountainous regions and rugged forests.
Age
This species can live for up to 17 years in the wild and up to 24 years in captivity.
Diet
They are carnivores which hunt species such as squirrel, rabbit, wild boar and deer.
Groups and Breeding
The Eurasian Lynx is a solitary animal, but breeding season is around February- March time. Pregnant females will create a den which they will line with grass and feathers before giving birth to 2-3 kittens after a two-month gestation period. The kittens can eat solid food and start to leave their den at about six weeks and are fully weaned at 6 months. They become independent around 10 months and reach maturity at 2-3 years.
Threats
The main threat the Eurasian Lynx is illegal poaching for its fur and habitat loss but it is also challenged by fragmentation and lack of prey.
Interesting Facts
This species was once native to the UK but were hunted to extinction here (probably for their fur) around 600AD.
The Eurasian Lynx During Your Day Out in Kent
At Wingham Wildlife Park we have one Eurasian Lynx named Roots. He joined us in 2017 and can often be seen relaxing on his rocky water feature in the Little Himalaya area of the park next to the Moon Bears, Amur Leopard and Asian Short-clawed Otters. His diet here consists of raw chicken, horse meat and rabbit all on the bone with supplements to boost his vitamins and minerals and he may also occasionally have goat.
The more you know…
Want to know more about this animal? Check out our keeper blogs about them here.