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North American lynx name in Russian. Canadian or North American lynx. Canadian lynxes in captivity

Canadian or North American lynx (Lynx canadensis) - a mammal from the cat family that lives in North America.

Description

The Canada lynx has the average size body and is in many ways similar to the red lynx. The coat color is usually yellowish-brown. The back is darker and the belly is lighter relative to the rest of the body. Many individuals have dark spots. The tail is quite short and ends in a black tip. The lynx's coat is long and thick, protecting the animal well in winter. As cold weather approaches, lynxes grow long “whiskers” that cover their necks. The triangular ears are slightly slanted and have black tufts (about 4 cm long). The paws are quite large and fluffy, thanks to which the weight of the animal is evenly distributed when walking in the snow. The forelimbs are shorter than the hind limbs, like those of the red lynx. There are 4 nipples on the stomach.

The length of the head and body of the lynx ranges from 67-106.7 cm, and the length of the tail is 5-13 cm. Height at the withers varies from 48 to 56 cm. These cats usually weigh from 4.5 to 17.3 kg. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced, males are larger than females. This lynx is almost two times smaller than.

The Canada lynx has 28 teeth and four long canines. The lynx is able to feel with its fangs the place where it bites prey, since they are penetrated by many nerves. It also has four carnassial teeth that grind meat into small pieces. The claws are sharp and fully retractable.

The Canada lynx is distinguished from the bobcat by longer ear tufts, less red fur, less distinct spotting, a shorter tail and larger paws. , as a rule, smaller in size than Canadian. The caracal or steppe lynx has ear tufts similar to those of the North American species.

Area

The Canada lynx is found throughout Canada, Western Montana, and nearby areas of Idaho and Washington. There are small populations in New England and Utah, and possibly in Oregon, Wyoming and Colorado.

Habitat

North American lynxes typically live in forests with dense undergrowth, but can live in more open forests, rocky areas, or tundra.

Reproduction

Little is known about the breeding of the Canadian lynx. The home range of a female typically overlaps with that of a male and, occasionally, several females. This distribution, together with sexual dimorphism, indicates that the species is probably polygynous.

The female comes into heat only once a year and, accordingly, one litter is possible. Estrus lasts from 1 to 2 days. Mating occurs in February and March. The gestational period (pregnancy) lasts from 8 to 10 weeks. Females give birth to their young in fallen logs, stumps, wood, or tangles of roots and branches. It is assumed that such shelters protect lynx cubs from potential predators. Typically, a litter consists of 2-3 kittens, although the number of cubs can range from 1 to 5. At birth, lynxes weigh about 200 g and have well-developed hair. Lactation lasts 5 months, but kittens eat meat already at the age of one month.

Males are not caring parents. All responsibilities for raising offspring are assigned to females. Mothers teach their cubs hunting techniques and other life skills. Lynx cubs remain with their mother until the next winter breeding season. Siblings may live together for a period of time after separation from their mother. Females become sexually mature at the age of 21 months, and males at 33 months.

Lifespan

IN wildlife, the lifespan of the Canadian lynx is about 14.5 years. In captivity, a long-liver was recorded, whose age was 26.75 years.

Nutrition

Canada lynxes are strictly carnivores. The American hare has special meaning in the diet of these cats and occupies from 35 to 97%. Every 8-11 years there is a shortage of hares. If there is no access to hares, they can hunt rodents, birds, moles, squirrels and young ungulates. Canada lynxes eat one hare every one to two days, so each day they eat 0.6-1.2 kg of food. In autumn and winter, lynxes feed on deer and other large ungulates. They also consume carcasses left behind by human hunters.

North American lynxes hunt at twilight or at night, when American hare are especially active. Lynxes rely on their vision and hearing to locate prey. The Canada lynx chases a hare, then pounces on it and kills it with a bite to the head, throat or back of the head. Young ungulates, lynxes, are bitten by the throat and waited until the animal dies. They may eat the prey immediately or hide it in snow and leaves and eat it over the next few days.

Behavior

Canadian lynxes are solitary, territorial animals. Although the home ranges of several females may overlap, males occupy separate territories. A male's home range includes that of one or more females and their young. The size of the occupied territories varies from 11 to 300 square kilometers. Adults tend to avoid each other except during the winter breeding season.

North American lynxes primarily rely on their eyesight, but also have well-developed hearing. Lynxes hunt mainly at night. However, activity can also be observed during the day. They usually stalk prey and then jump on it, although some individuals can ambush their prey for several hours. The lynx is able to walk 8-9 km every day to provide itself with food and moves at a speed of 0.75-1.46 km/h. They are good swimmers and skilled climbers, however, they hunt only on land.

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 the young.

Communication and perception

Communication and perception are similar to . In addition to good eyesight To make hunting easier, these animals have excellent hearing. Smells are used in marking territory. Tactile communication can occur between familiar individuals, as well as between mothers and offspring. Vocalization is also used.

Threats

There is no evidence of predator attacks on these cats. However, young kittens are vulnerable to large predators such as wolves and bears.

Role in the ecosystem

Like predators, North American lynxes play important role in regulating the populations of their victims. This especially applies to American hare.

Economic significance for humans

Positive

Canada lynxes were hunted for their valuable fur in the seventeenth century. However, after the introduction of restrictions on the trade in the fur of large cats, hunting of lynxes decreased significantly. North American lynx help control population small mammals, such as American hare and voles, which are agricultural and forestry pests.

Negative

It is not known whether the Canada lynx has Negative influence on the human economy.

Security status

Lynx are listed on Appendix II of CITES. They are listed as endangered in the United States.

Video

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, coniferous zones northern states of 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. The weight of an adult individual 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, 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 marks white, tassels, the tip of the tail are highlighted in rich black.

Habits

The Canadian lynx leads a solitary lifestyle, rarely communicates with its fellow creatures, does not stay in one place for long and constantly wanders within its own territory. hunting grounds(occupy 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.

Moves confidently through deep and loose snow cover, skillfully hides his tracks, swims well, shows miracles of dexterity on the ground, in trees, 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 - 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. Storekeepers often find more small predators and quickly take them 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 she avoids him, without expressing much fear, at the same time she can settle near a populated area and periodically visit there. 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. Average duration The life of a wild lynx in the wild is 10 years; at home, a lynx will live longer.

Lynx (lat. Lynx) - genus carnivorous mammals the cat family, which is divided into several species:

* Eurasian(common) lynx (lat. Lynx lynx)

* Canada lynx(lat. Lynx canadensis); some sources consider it a subspecies of the common lynx

* Red Lynx(lat. Lynx rufus)

* Spanish(Iberian) lynx (lat. Lynx pardinus)

There is also a caracal (lat. Caracal caracal) - steppe lynx, which is allocated in separate genus, despite the external similarity with lynxes.

Eurasian lynx is the largest of all lynxes, body length 80-130 cm and 70 cm at the withers. Males often weigh from 18-30 kg, females weigh on average 18.1 kg. The body, like that of all lynxes, is short and dense. The paws are large and well furred in winter, which allows the lynx to walk on the snow without falling through. There are long tassels on the ears. The tassels on the ears, which distinguish the lynx from other cats, are by no means just decoration - they serve as a kind of antennas, helping the animal to pick up even very quiet sounds. If you cut off the tassels, the lynx's keen hearing is immediately dulled. The tail is short, as if chopped off.

There are many color variations of the lynx, depending on the geographical area - from reddish-brown to fawn-smoky, with more or less pronounced spotting on the back, sides and paws. On the belly, the hair is especially long and soft, but not thick and almost always pure white with sparse specks. Southern forms usually more red, their hair is shorter, and their paws are smaller.

The lynx's track is typically cat-like, with no claw marks. When she steps, she places her hind paw in the footprint of her front paw. If several trots are walking, then the hind ones step exactly in the tracks of the front ones.

The Eurasian lynx is the northernmost of the cat species; in Scandinavia it is found even beyond the Arctic Circle. It was once quite common throughout Europe, but by the middle of the 20th century it was exterminated in most countries of Central and Western Europe. Successful attempts have now been made to revive the lynx population.

Currently, 90% of the Eurasian lynx population lives in Siberia.

Eurasian lynx cub:

The lynx prefers dense dark coniferous forests and taiga, although it is found in a wide variety of plantations, including mountain forests; sometimes enters the forest-steppe and forest-tundra. She climbs trees and rocks very well and swims well.

When there is an abundance of food, the lynx lives sedentary; when there is a shortage, it wanders. It can travel up to 30 kilometers per day. The basis of its diet is hares. It also constantly hunts grouse birds, small rodents, and, less often, small ungulates such as roe deer, musk deer, spotted and reindeer, occasionally attacks domestic cats and dogs, and in the forest - foxes, raccoon dogs and other small animals. He destroys foxes especially decisively and viciously, even when there is no particular need for this.

Lynx hunts at dusk. Contrary to popular beliefs, she never jumps on her prey from a tree, but prefers to watch for game in ambush or stealth, and then attack with large, up to 4 m, jumps. The victim is pursued at a distance of no more than 60-80 m, after which it runs out of steam.

Despite all the caution, the lynx is not very afraid of people. She lives in the secondary forests created by them, in young forests, in old cutting areas and burnt areas; and in times of adversity it enters villages and even big cities.

Canada lynx , or North American lynx, is a species of lynx that lives in the North American taiga. The closest relative of the Eurasian lynx. 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.

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

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).

The future of Canada lynxes is this moment out of danger; They are endangered only in a few regions.

Canada lynx cubs:

Red Lynx - a species of lynx native to North America. Outwardly, it is a typical lynx, but smaller, half the size of a regular lynx, not so long-legged and wide-legged, since it does not need to walk on deep snow, but shorter tailed. Its body length is 60.2–80 cm, height at withers 30–35 cm, weight 6.7–11 kg.

The general color tone is reddish-brown with gray tint. Unlike true lynxes, the bobcat has a white marking on its inside the tip of the tail, whereas in lynxes it is completely black. Southern subspecies have more black markings than northern ones. There are individuals that are completely black (melanists) and white (albinos), the former only in Florida. The bobcat is found from extreme southern Canada to central Mexico and from the east to west coasts of the United States. The red lynx is found both in subtropical forests and in arid desert areas, in swampy lowlands, coniferous and deciduous forests and even in the cultural landscape and surroundings of large cities. Although the bobcat is a good tree climber, it only climbs trees in search of food and shelter.

The main food of the red lynx is the American rabbit; also catches snakes, mice, rats, gophers and porcupines. Sometimes it attacks birds (wild turkeys, domestic chickens) and even white-tailed deer. Occasionally - on small domestic animals.

The bobcat's natural enemies are other cats: jaguars, pumas and Canadian lynxes.

Red lynx cub:

South Texas Bobcat:

Spanish lynx (Iberian lynx, pardo lynx, Iberian lynx) (Lynx pardinus) is a species of lynx that is found in southwestern Spain (most of it in national park Coto Doñana), although initially the Spanish lynx was widespread in Spain and Portugal. Now its range is limited to mountainous areas.

Previously, it was often considered a subspecies of the Eurasian lynx. To date, it has been proven that these are two different types, which evolved independently of each other during the Pleistocene era. It differs from the latter in its lighter color and pronounced spots, giving its color a resemblance to the color of a leopard. In winter, the fur dulls and becomes thinner. It is also half the size of the Eurasian lynx, and therefore hunts mainly small game - hares and rabbits, only occasionally attacking baby deer.

Height at the withers is 45-70 cm, trot length 75-100 cm, including a short tail (12-30 cm), weight 13-25 kg.

The Spanish lynx is one of the most rare species mammals. As of 2005, its population was estimated to be only 100 individuals. For comparison: at the beginning of the 20th century there were about 100 thousand of them, by 1960 - already 3 thousand, by 2000 - only 400.

- a graceful North American cat, the closest relative of the common cat. Its range extends from the northern American states and further across Canada, where it inhabits mature coniferous forests with dense undergrowth. Less common in light forests, rocky areas and tundra.

The Canada lynx's color ranges from yellow-brown to gray on the back and sides with the presence large number barely visible black speckles. The belly is often light gray or almost white, like the fur. The fur is very long and thick, especially on the legs, the tail is short, the round head is crowned with ears with tassels of black hairs. In the photo below she is even something like that, only with tassels on her ears.

In sizes Canadian lynx almost two times inferior to the Eurasian species. Its body length is from 0.7 to 1 meter, its tail is from 5 to 13 cm, and its weight is from 4.5 to 17 kg. Males are slightly larger in size than females.

The predator leads predominantly night look life, during the day hiding in rock crevices, under the roots of uprooted trees and in other shelters. The animals spend most of the year alone in their territory, the area of which varies from 11 to 300 sq. km. Only during the breeding season do lynxes briefly pair up.

Literally immediately after mating, which takes place in February-March, the male leaves the female, and all care is taken future fate posterity falls on her shoulders. Pregnancy lasts about 8-10 weeks. A litter, usually consisting of 2-3 kittens, is born in a secluded place.
Up to 5 months, the female Canadian lynx feeds the kittens with milk, although already at the age of one month they begin to eat meat. The young remain with their mother until the next mating season, after which they are expelled and forced to find their own territory. Young individuals reach sexual maturity at the age of one and a half to two years.

Thanks good developed vision and I hear that the Canadian lynx feels great hunting in complete darkness. The predator most often waits in ambush for its prey, overtaking it in several leaps. Sometimes the technique of sneaking up on prey is also used.

Canadian lynxes are exclusively carnivores. A key place in their diet is occupied by the cat, the number of which directly determines the number of cats. In some regions, hares are the only object of their hunting. Rodents, birds and fish become much less common prey for predators.

The Canadian lynx is a representative of the wild cat world, which cannot be found as pet. Incomparable and unique grace, smooth movements, predatory and cat habits – common features, which perfectly describe the Canadian lynx.

The Canadian lynx differs from other subspecies of lynx in its rather modest size. Height the animal at the withers reaches no more than 65 cm, the body length from 80 to 117 cm. Weight adult lynx ranges from 8 to 14 kg.

Distinctive features of the Canadian lynx:

There are long ears tassels made of wool.
On the muzzle on both sides are clearly visible whiskers.
Tail– short, chopped off.
Pupils of the eyes have a round shape.
Paws– long with well-developed and strong muscles, the hind limbs have little longer length than the front paws.
Wool– thick and lush, gives the animal protection in cold weather and retains the required amount of moisture in the summer heat. The maximum length of the pile is 5 cm.
Color– predominance gray colors interspersed with brown shades. Over the entire surface of the fur there are white spots with different size. The tail, ear tufts and whiskers are painted deep black.

Structural features body, muscularity and power provide incredible grace and flexibility of movement, which makes the Canadian lynx an unsurpassed hunter.

Where do they live?

The Canadian lynx can be found throughout the meridian. Representatives of this breed live in Canada, Alaska, coniferous forests northern part of America. Lynx can often be found in states such as Idaho, Washington and Colorado.

Are there any enemies?

In the wild, the Canada lynx is afraid brown bears. The animal will also prefer to avoid encounters with wolves. But her excellent sense of smell and ultra-fine sense of smell gives her the opportunity to anticipate trouble in advance and prevent a meeting with the enemy. If the meeting was unexpected, the lynx will easily escape from the potential offender due to its ability to quickly climb trees.

Habits and hunting

The Canadian lynx is a natural nomad. The animal loves solitude, prefers not to sit in one place for a long time, regularly changing its place of residence, but without leaving its possessions.

One Canadian lynx covers about 70 km 2 of land.

IN mandatory each representative of the breed marks its possessions, leaving scratches from its claws on tree bark, stone rocks, and irrigating the grass with drops of its urine.

The Canadian lynx differs from representatives of other subspecies in that it goes hunting not only in dark time days, but also willingly replenishes its diet during the day. This is an excellent hunter who tirelessly tracks his prey for a long time, taking a convenient position on a tree. To track prey, the Canadian lynx uses its ultra-fine sense of smell and is also excellent at navigating by smell.

A lynx can sit in ambush for hours, waiting for the right time to attack its prey. Flexibility and strong muscular limbs give the animal the opportunity to overtake its prey in several jumps, each of which will reach a length of up to 3 meters.

Nutrition

The Canadian lynx's favorite food is rabbit meat. An adult lynx itself destroys 150-200 forest hares, playing the role of a kind of traffic controller natural selection rapidly breeding rodents. Hare meat makes up about 80% of the diet graceful predator. Other foods that predators would not mind periodically eating include fish, deer, and small rodents, such as mice, beavers, and sheep.

Lynx is a thrifty animal. If the hunt was very successful, and the feeling of satiety gave complete satisfaction, the animal will hide the excess results of its hunt in the ground, digging it in a little, or dig a hole in the snow. Such hiding places are quickly opened by other predators, which is why the Canadian lynx often runs the risk of being left without a supply of provisions. When the lynx is full, it rests, and goes hunting only when necessary to satisfy its hunger.

Reproduction and offspring

The mating season of the Canadian lynx begins in the second half of February-March. The male leaves his territory to find a suitable female. Often the choice of a male can fall on several females at the same time. Lynxes do not live in families; immediately after fertilization, each one returns to its own territory and continues life alone. Canadian lynxes are exclusively solitary animals. They pair up only during the period.

The gestation period lasts about 60-70 days.

Anticipating the approach of childbirth, the female begins to equip her den, using dense thickets bush. Pregnant females love to settle in rocky crevices, where they feel completely safe. Suitable for reproducing offspring and hollows in trees.

One litter consists of 2-5 lynx cubs, weighing about 300 g each. Lynx cubs are born blind, they are absolutely helpless and completely need their mother. The eyes of the offspring open 14 days after birth. Lynx cubs have bright Blue eyes, delicate fur and fragile body. As a rule, looking at this cute fluffy ball, it is difficult to imagine that in the future it will grow into a dangerous predator.

Up to 2 months, kittens eat only mother's milk; from 3 months, mother brings them hare meat. Lynx cubs learn to hunt gradually. As soon as the babies turn 5 months old, they begin to go hunting with their mother. Until the period when the lynx cubs remain with their mother, they go hunting only with her.

As soon as the lynx cubs reach 10 months of age, they must leave their mother's den. During this period, the time comes for the next mating, so the female leaves her grown-up babies and goes in search of a male. By this time, the lynx cubs are already sufficiently trained independent life and hunting.

How does an animal behave in captivity?

If a Canadian lynx encounters a person in the wild, it will prefer to hide from him, without showing any interest or fear.

Lynxes often settle near settlements and come close enough to houses, but will never make an attempt to get close to a person or attack him.

In captivity, the Canadian lynx lives only in private and public zoos. In the wild, lynxes live for about 10 years, but in captivity they are unlikely to live much longer, even if proper care. They quickly get used to being around people.

If a small lynx is in captivity, it will quickly get used to people, will often be in their company, and allow itself to be petted. But nonetheless most time, the domesticated Canadian lynx will be alone.

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Features of keeping as a pet

The Canadian lynx is an absolute predator; living in an apartment is strictly excluded. Some exotic lovers want to get a Canadian lynx as a pet. In this case, it is important to remember that such animals can only be in a private house with a large local area. In addition, it is preferable to organize an outdoor enclosure for the Canadian lynx, where it will feel especially comfortable in winter.

Caring for a lynx is not particularly difficult. It is important to provide the animal with living conditions that are as close as possible to natural environment. It is recommended to feed the lynx raw meat rabbit and greens, fish. You should not give your animal fatty meats, such as pork.

In addition to organizing the almost daily presence of rabbit or hare meat, small rodents and birds in the diet, it is necessary to give the animal the opportunity to express its hunting instinct - to hunt live game. It is necessary to regularly ensure that the lynx hunts a live hare; sometimes small rodents can be allowed in instead of a hare.

Hunting is a prerequisite for the normal life of a predator in captivity. If the Canadian lynx completely stops hunting, this will lead to a weakening of its immunity, the animal will begin to waste away, which will negatively affect general condition health.

Where can I buy

You can buy a Canadian lynx at a private or public zoo; it is almost impossible to find an animal from breeders. Nurseries for breeding Canadian lynx are practically not found, and they are located only in the regions of the animal’s immediate habitat. The cost of a lynx kitten starts from several thousand dollars.

Fans of such an exotic wild animal should understand that, having adopted a Canadian lynx, they must provide it with everything necessary for normal growth, development and health.