European lynx

The lynx has one of the largest habitats of any cat species, stretching from Northern Europe to East Asia. Today, it is most often found in open woodlands and mountain slopes. They are most active at dawn and dusk.

The lynx is a skilful climber and spends a lot of time up in trees where it lies in wait for potential prey. It is the third largest predator in Europe after the brown bear and the wolf.

The lynx lives alone, but the cubs can live with the mother for up to three years. However, males and females have overlapping territories so they can communicate and find each other during the mating season. Communication takes the form of a series of roars, grunts and coughs, as well as scent markers.

• Distribution: Widespread in Russia, Asia and parts of Europe
• Population: Not threatened, but vulnerable in some areas of the distribution
• Weight: 15-36kg
• Shoulder height: 55-75 centimetres
• Body length: 80-130 centimetres
• Neck length: 11-25 centimetres
• Mating season: February to March
• Sexual maturity: 2-3 years
• Gestation: 67-74 days
• Number of cubs: 2-3 cubs born in May
• Food: Everything from small rodents, rabbits, hares and birds to larger game animals from roe deer to red deer, elk and reindeer
• Life expectancy: Up to 17 years in the wild and up to 24 years in zoos
• Latin name: Lynx lynx