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GEOGRAPHIC RANGE AND HABITAT
The Canadian lynx
ranges in Alaska, Canada, and the states of Montana, Idaho,
Washington, and possibly some New England states such as
New York and Maine in the United States. They most frequently
inhabit the Boreal forestareas areas of their range, but
can be found in scrub land and tundra to the north.
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DESCRIPTION
The lynx is distinctive
in appearance - with its triangular shaped, tufted ears, thick
set body, long hind legs, a short, stumpy tail and large fur
covered paws which help carry the cat over deep snow , which
is common in much of its range. The body size of the canadian
lynx can vary quite considerably - from a little under 2 feet
to in excess of four - the canadian species though, as a rule
is smaller than the Eurasian Lynx. The coat is spotted, but
in the Canadian species, the markings are less distinct than
in European and Asian varieties, being almost masked by the
thick tawny to grey coloured fur, which is often seen to have
a ‘frosted’ appearance due the white tips to its fur.
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DIET
The lynx is a diurnal hunter
and in common with most wild cats, generally stalks prey alone,
although group hunting and ambushing has been observed. Although
not a timid hunter the lynx will rarely contest its prey if confronted
by other carnivores and will leave its prey uneaten. Its prey
varies from small rodents through to deer, with the Snowshoe Hare
being by far its favoured prey. In certain areas the lynx is so
closely tied to the Snowshoe that its population has been seen
to rise and fall with that of the hare, even though other food
sources may be abundant.
In the autumn and winter months the lynx will often scavenge on
the carcasses of larger animal such as caribou and deer who have
perished with the onset of winter or have been shot during the
hunting season.
Canadian Lynx stalking prey ------------------->>>
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LIFE CYCLE/SOCIAL
BEHAVIOR
The canadian Lynx is a solitary animal, except
for females with offspring, or siblings who have just separated
from their mothers who may travel and hunt together for several
months before separating. |
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REPRODUCTION
After a gestation
of approximately 63-70 days, females produce a litter of
1-8 kittens, with the average varying depending on the abundance
of prey. They weigh 7-7.5 ounces at birth and will open
their eyes at around 10-17 day, and begin to walk between
24-30 days. They are weaned between 3-5 months of age, and
reach sexual maturity around 23 months. The number of offspring
is directly related to the abundance of prey, as is the
age of sexual maturity. When prey is very abundant, females
will breed as early as 10 months.
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INTERESTING FACTS
1.In the wild, Canadian Lynx have lived up to
15 years,
and in captivity, up to 21.
2. Principal Threats: Trapping continues to be
one of the greatest threats for the Lynx. Lynx are easily trapped.
3. As is with every other feline population,
thee Canadian Lynx faces habitat loss due to destruction by humans.
4. Status: CITES: Appendix II. IUCN: Not listed.
Threatened as of 2000. |
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