Canadian lynx paws. Lynx: Eurasian, Canadian, red, Spanish. Photo of Canadian lynx

Introduction

The Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis Kerr, 1792) is a species of lynx that lives in the North American taiga. The closest relative of the Eurasian lynx ( Lynx lynx).

1. Appearance

This type of lynx is half the size of the Eurasian lynx: its body length is 86-117 cm, height at the withers is 60-65 cm; weight 8-14 kg. In captive animals, the weight can reach up to 20 kg in both sexes.

The coat color is grayish-brown, turning red in summer; White marks are scattered across the main background, giving the impression of being dusted with snow. There is an unusually light, “blue” color.

2. Distribution

Lives in wooded areas of Alaska, Canada, as well as the states of Montana, Idaho, Washington and Colorado.

3. Lifestyle and nutrition

The Canadian lynx feeds mainly on hares; the size of its population depends on the growth or decline of their population. In addition to the main diet are rodents (squirrels, mice, beavers), red deer, foxes and birds (pheasants).

4. Lifestyle and reproduction

Lynxes prefer to live alone, except for the period when females have offspring. Pregnancy in a female lasts 63-70 days. In May-June (in in rare cases- in July) she gives birth to 1-5 kittens. Kittens are separated from their mother at the age of 10 months, usually in March-April.

Young lynxes reach sexual maturity between the ages of 10 and 23 months. IN natural conditions live up to 10-15 years.

5. Population status

The future of Canada lynxes is this moment out of danger; They are endangered only in a few regions, such as New Brunswick, due to the destruction of their habitats and past hunting for their fur.

6. Classification

It is the closest relative of the Eurasian lynx ( Lynx lynx); Some sources consider the Canadian lynx to be a subspecies of the Eurasian lynx.

There are two subspecies of the Canadian lynx:

    Lynx canadensis canadensis Kerr, 1792, found throughout much of North America.

    Lynx canadensis subsolanus Bangs, 1897, living on the island of Newfoundland.

Bibliography:

    Sokolov V. E. Five-language dictionary of animal names. Mammals. Latin, Russian, English, German, French. / under the general editorship of academician. V. E. Sokolova. - M.: Rus. lang., 1984. - P. 107. - 10,000 copies.

    See IUCN, Wild Cats: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan, p. 128. (English)

Source: http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_lynx

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  4. Contrary to its name, the Canadian lynx (lat. Lynx canadensis) lives not only in Canada, it can be found in various areas of the North American taiga - in Alaska, in forest areas states of Idaho, Montana, Colorado and Washington. The climate in the chosen habitats is quite harsh, and the color of the lynx matches the surrounding landscape, helping the animals remain invisible against the background of the environment.

    Scattered across the gray-brown background of thick and long fur are dark speckles and whitish spots, reminiscent of snow flakes, dusting the animal’s clothing, and only with the onset of summer red sparkles appear in the Canadian lynx’s fur. Some representatives of this species have a rare pearl blue color. The ears and tip of the short tail of the Canadian lynx are black.

    The northern beast is harmoniously complex, and the whole appearance a graceful big cat - with high legs, wide powerful feet, a round head, long fur on the sides of the muzzle, pronounced tufts on the ears - makes you admire the strength and stature of the animal. The length of the lynx can reach 120 cm, the height at the withers ranges from 60 to 70 cm, and the weight ranges from 6 to 16 kg.

    These predatory inhabitants of the North American tundra and taiga, like many others wild cats– proud loners leading a twilight lifestyle. During the day, they prefer to hide from prying eyes among the crevices of rocks or the branchy roots of uprooted trees, and at nightfall or at dawn, as soon as it breaks, they go hunting.

    The main prey of the dexterous strong cat are white hares, the number of which determines the number of hunters themselves. Each representative of this species accounts for up to 200 white hare, destroyed annually.

    The diet of taiga animals is supplemented by birds and larger animals - foxes, deer and bighorn sheep. Luck does not always smile on hardy hunters: sometimes in search of lynx prey they have to travel enormous distances - up to 20 km per day. If during a long hike a cat is caught in bad weather, it waits out the bad weather by climbing into a suitable cave or hiding among the spreading branches of a tree.

    The process of Canadian lynx hunting hare is a fascinating spectacle. Having discovered fresh hare tracks, the predator hides, and then makes a sharp jerk with a final jump-flight that does not leave the scythe a single chance. If it is unsafe to remain on the ground, the lynx easily climbs a tree with its prey and makes a feast there. When there is a surplus of food, thrifty animals hide the leftovers of their lunch to return to them later.

    The territory of an adult male can be up to 70 square meters. km, females occupy smaller areas. And only in the mating season, incorrigible hermits unite in pairs - the male impregnates several females at once - in order to reproduce from 1 to 6 tiny helpless kittens after 2-2.5 months. The kids grow up under the watchful eye of their mother, who protects the foolish ones from large owls and other enemies, helps them get on their feet and teaches them all the intricacies of hunting.

    By the way, even the process of reproduction in Canadian lynxes largely depends on the number of hare: if the number of hares, which occupy a dominant position in the lynx’s diet, is insignificant, the birth rate among these northern cats is sharply reduced - until better times, when there is plenty of food.

    Canada lynx(Lynx canadensis) is a species of lynx that lives in North America(Alaska, Montana, Washington, Colorado, Idaho).


    It is the closest relative of the common lynx (Lynx lynx).

    North American are found mainly in the taiga, but can sometimes be found among rocky mountains and in the tundra.

    The habitats of these cats are closely related to the habitats of white hares, which are the main prey for these predators.

    Canadian lynxes can live close to people, but they avoid meeting people in every possible way.

    There are two subspecies of the Canadian lynx:

    Lynx canadensis canadensis Kerr, 1792, found throughout much of North America.

    Lynx canadensis subsolanus Bangs, 1897, living on the island of Newfoundland.


    Appearance

    Despite all the external similarities from the common lynx, the Canadian lynx differs primarily in its smaller size, the body length of this species is from 86 to 117 cm (in the common lynx from 80 to 130), the height at the withers is from 60 to 65 cm (in the common lynx up to 70 cm.)


    And the Canadian lynx weighs from 8 to 14 kg. (in zoos the weight can reach up to 20 kg.). An ordinary lynx weighs on average from 18 to 25 kg.

    The fur is long - up to 5 centimeters and thick. The main fur color is grayish-brown or reddish with various markings white.

    On the sides of the Canadian lynx's muzzle there is visible white fur, reminiscent of snow flakes, some representatives of this species have a rare, pearl-blue color.


    Ears with black tassels, short black tail.

    Long paws with wide feet and retractable claws. The front paws are slightly smaller in size than the hind paws.

    The peculiar structure of the body determines increased jumping ability, agility, swiftness in attack, and running speed.


    Lifestyle and nutrition

    Like all other lynxes, Canada cats are loners, except during the breeding season.

    Males constantly move across a separate territory, which can be more than 100 sq. km, while leaving marks on trees along the border of their territory with urine and scratches.

    The territories of females may partially overlap.

    Confidently moving through deep and loose snow, the Canadian lynx remains invisible, hiding its tracks.

    In search of food, lynxes have to travel long distances across any terrain; lynxes swim well even in cold water, move deftly through trees and mountains.

    Having well-developed hearing and acute vision, lynxes hunt mainly at dusk or at night, although they can be active during the day.

    It waits out bad weather in the thick of the forest or in a suitable cave.


    The Canadian lynx feeds mainly on hares, so the size of its population directly depends on the number of these animals.

    Rodents (squirrels, mice, beavers), red deer, foxes and birds (for example, pheasants) can be supplements to the main diet.

    The lynx's daily menu consists of meat (1-3 kg per day).

    Lynxes chase prey and then jump on it, although they can hunt and wait for their prey in ambush for several hours.

    Females and cubs sometimes hunt hares in groups. One lynx scares the prey, and the rest line up and catch it. This hunting method can be very successful and is important in developing hunting techniques among young lynxes.

    The Canadian lynx hides excess food in specially dug caches, which are often found by smaller predators and quickly taken away.

    Well-fed lynxes prefer to rest, accumulating strength for a new hunt.

    Reproduction


    The mating season for Canadian lynxes usually runs from February to March. At this time, males and females unite in pairs, and near his possessions the male selects one or several females, fertilizes the chosen ones and moves away.

    Caring for future cubs falls entirely on the mother.


    Shortly before giving birth, she sets up a secluded den in dense bushes, rock crevices or tree hollows, where she waits for the offspring to appear.


    The duration of a normal pregnancy in a female is from 63 to 70 days; in May–June, lynxes give birth to 1 to 5 kittens weighing up to 300 grams.

    During the first months, the mother feeds the cubs with milk, and from the third month she feeds them with rabbits and mice.


    Lynx kittens live with their mother for up to 10 months; the female goes hunting for prey with her five-month-old babies and follows this tradition throughout the entire period of cohabitation.

    Having become sexually mature, young lynxes begin an independent life, and their mother begins new search future dad.

    The Canadian lynx is a mysterious forest animal. Like all representatives of the lynx family, this is a predator with cat-like habits and natural, incomparable grace. The living space is spread far along the meridian, covering the forests of Alaska, Canada, and coniferous zones northern states America (Washington, Colorado, Idaho).

    Appearance

    The animal has relatively small dimensions: the height at the withers does not exceed 65 cm, the length of the body is in the range of 80 - 117 cm. Weight adult reaches 8 - 14 kg. The lynx is distinguished from other cats by long tufts on its ears, whiskers on its face, a short, stubby tail, and almost round pupils.

    The animal is gifted with long, strong, muscular legs (the hind legs are longer than the front ones), large feet, and a thin waist. The peculiar structure of the body determines increased jumping ability, agility, swiftness in attack, and running speed.

    Thick, long fur reliably protects the animal from hypothermia and frostbite on the feet. The maximum length of the pile is 5 cm. The color corresponds to the habitat: the main grayish-brown palette is completely strewn with small white markings, the tassels and the tip of the tail are highlighted in rich black.

    Habits

    The Canadian lynx leads a solitary lifestyle, rarely communicates with its fellows, does not stay in one place for long and constantly wanders within its own hunting grounds (occupying an area of ​​70 km 2 or more). Be sure to mark the territory: irrigate the soil with droplets of urine, leave scratches on rocks and trees.

    It confidently moves through deep and loose snow cover, skillfully hides its tracks, swims well, and shows miracles of agility on the ground, in trees, and in cold water. It travels tens of kilometers in search of food. It waits out bad weather in the thick of the forest or in a suitable cave.

    Unlike the common lynx, the North American species actively hunts not only under the cover of darkness, but also in daytime. Looks out for the prey while sitting on a tree, or tracks it by scent and tracks. It sneaks up to prey and attacks sharply from an ambush, making several lightning-fast jumps of 2-3 meters each.

    Diet

    The lynx's daily menu consists of meat (1-3 kg per day). Favorite dish - hare - white hare (75 - 80% of the diet). An adult annually destroys from 150 to 200 long-eared forest inhabitants, thereby regulating the rodent population. Diet diversity is provided by squirrels, birds, mice, beavers, young deer, bighorn sheep, and fish.

    The Canadian lynx hides excess food in reserve: it digs it in with soil or makes a hiding place in the snow. Reserves are often found by smaller predators and quickly taken away. A well-fed animal prefers not to hunt - it rests, accumulates strength and prepares for new journeys.

    Reproduction and care of offspring

    Males and females unite in pairs exclusively in mating season– from February to the end of March. Near his possessions, the male selects one or several females, fertilizes the chosen ones and goes home. Caring for future cubs falls entirely on the mother.

    The duration of a normal pregnancy in a female is 2 – 2.5 months. Shortly before giving birth, she sets up a secluded den in dense bushes, rock crevices or tree hollows, where she waits for the offspring to appear. The brood numbers from two to five individuals. The weight of one baby is no more than 300 grams.

    Lynx cubs are completely helpless, blind, need constant care and open their eyes only two weeks after birth. Looking at a photo of a Canadian lynx at the tender age of a kitten, it is difficult to imagine that this cute fluffy little ball with bright blue eyes, so fragile and defenseless, will soon grow into a dangerous seasoned predator.

    During the first months, the mother feeds the cubs with milk, and from the third month she feeds them with rabbits and mice. The younger generation is gradually learning the wisdom of hunting. The female goes on group hunts for prey with her five-month-old babies and follows this tradition throughout the entire period of cohabitation.

    With the beginning of the next breeding season (lynx cubs turn 10 months old), the established tandem is destroyed. The mother leaves her large family and goes in search of a male, while the offspring have to learn to live on their own.


    Life in captivity

    The lynx's attitude towards humans is ambiguous: in natural conditions it avoids them, without expressing much fear, but at the same time it can settle nearby settlement and visit there periodically. Domestic Canadian lynx are recommended for enclosure keeping. A baby taken from a nursery quickly gets used to its owner and becomes a real protector and companion on walks and games.

    All a pet needs is love and good care. The average lifespan of a wild lynx in the wild is 10 years; at home, a lynx will live longer.

    The Canadian or North American lynx is endangered, however, small populations of these animals are found in Canada, Alaska, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Vermont, Maine and Washington. The total area of ​​the range is 7.7 million square kilometers.

    Description of the Canadian lynx

    The body length of an adult Canadian lynx ranges from 80 to 117 centimeters, the height at the withers reaches 60-65 centimeters, and body weight varies from 8 to 14 kilograms.

    The North American lynx has white fur on the sides of its muzzle, a short tail, and ears decorated with small tassels. The legs are long, but the front legs are smaller in size compared to the hind legs. The paws end in retractable claws. The feet are wide.

    The fur is long - up to 5 centimeters and thick. The main fur color is grayish-brown or reddish with various white markings. There are no spots, but if there are any, they are too light and indistinguishable against the general background. The ears are black, with a spot on the back of each ear. The tip of the tail is black.

    Canadian Lynx Habitat

    Canadian lynxes live in the taiga forests of North America and can sometimes be found among rocky mountains and in the tundra. The habitats of Canadian lynxes are closely related to the habitats that are the main prey for these predators. North American lynxes can live close to people, but they avoid meeting people in every possible way.

    North American Lynx Lifestyle

    Apart from the breeding season, Canadian lynxes prefer a solitary lifestyle. Each female has an individual area ranging from 4 to 25 square kilometers, and males from 4 to 70 square kilometers. km. Males' territories most often cross several females' territories. North American lynxes mark the boundaries of their territories with urine and leave claw marks on rocks and trees.

    These predators lead a predominantly crepuscular lifestyle; they go hunting either in the evening or at dusk. In search of food, they can travel about 19 kilometers per day.

    Adult Canadian lynxes hunt alone, while older cubs pursue prey together with their mothers. During the hunt, the predator lurks near the fresh trail of a white hare, and when it detects prey, it makes a sharp jerk. Lynxes can eat their victims in trees. If there is too much meat, the lynx hides it and then returns as needed.

    Each lynx eats about 150-200 hares per year. In diet North American lynx the majority are occupied by hares - up to 75%, but they also hunt birds, beavers, squirrels, muskrats, snow leopards, ungulate deer and the like. And in times of hunger they have to eat carrion.


    The Canadian lynx is a fairly silent animal that rarely makes sounds. Their main natural enemies are bears, coyotes, cougars, wolves, and owls are dangerous for kittens. The lifespan of the Canadian lynx in the wild is about 10 years.

    Reproduction of Canadian lynxes

    During the mating season, one male fertilizes several females who are in his neighborhood.

    Males do not care at all about raising offspring. The mating season is observed in January-February.

    Before giving birth, the female makes a den either in a hollow tree or under boulders. The number of cubs in the offspring of Canadian lynxes depends on the number of snowshoe hares. When there is little food, lynxes practically stop reproducing.

    Pregnancy lasts about 63 days. There can be from 1 to 8 helpless blind babies in a litter. The weight of newborn kittens does not exceed 280 grams, and the length is no more than 25 centimeters.


    Each lynx eats up to two hundred hares in a year.

    Kittens develop vision on the 17th day, and at about 5 weeks they already leave the den. The female feeds the kittens with milk for 3-5 months. Puberty in Canadian lynxes it occurs at 23 months.

    The benefits of North American lynxes and their numbers

    The benefit of these predators is that they regulate the number of white hares. The number of the species is regularly declining. People hunt North American lynxes commercially. It is believed that the number of the species does not exceed 50 thousand adult individuals.

    The highest density of lynxes is 30 individuals per 100 square kilometers, a number observed with a large number of snowshoe hares.


    The Canadian lynx is the most close relative common lynx.

    Canada lynxes are listed in Appendix II of the CITES Convention. The main threats to the species are related to extermination natural places habitat, poaching and breeding cycles of snowshoe hares. A large number of lynxes die on the roads under the wheels.

    There are 2 subspecies of Canadian lynx:

    1. L. c. Subsolanus live in Newfoundland;
    2. L. c. canadensis is found in the Northern USA and Canada.

    Canadian lynxes in captivity

    Although Canada lynx numbers are declining, people keep them as pets. The enclosure should be spacious and strong. The animal must move freely in its home. It is advisable that there is a large, strong piece of driftwood inside, since lynxes, like cats, love to climb trees and sharpen their claws.



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