Eurasian Lynx - Five Sisters Zoo

Individuals have grey to reddish fur with dark spots, black tufts at the tips of their ears and a short, black-tipped tail. Once a native species, is thought to have become extinct in the UK during the medieval period around 1,300 years ago.

Facts

  • Diet: Carnivores
  • Weight: 10 to 20 kg
  • Length: 8 to 1.2 metres
  • Habitat: high mountains
  • Life span: 12 to 17 years in human care they can leave up to 25 years.

Adapted to survive

  • Their fur grows thicker in winter to keep them warm.
  • Their long legs help them move through the thick powdered snow.
  • Their big paws have hair underneath to keep them warm can spread their toes to walk over the snow.
  • They can spot a prey at almost 80 metres.
  • Their ear tufts help them to sense and locate preys while they can remain hidden.
  • They can jump 25 feet horizontally and 6 feet high.

Threats

  • Poaching,
  • Climate change
  • Habitat fragmentation and loss

 

IUCN Conservation Status

Vulnerable

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