Eurasian Lynx - Lynx lynx

Lynxes are a widespread species across Europe and North America. There are four different species of lynx across its entire range, while Europe and Asia contain a number of geographically distinct subspecies within the Eurasian family. Port Lympne is home to two different lynx subspecies; the Carpathian lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus) and the Siberian lynx (Lynx lynx wrangeli).

HABITAT: With one of the largest range of all cat species, Eurasian lynxes can be found within forested habitats across Europe and through Central Asia. The Carpathian lynx is restricted to the mountain region of the same name that runs through Central and Eastern Europe, while the Siberian lynx is found in Eastern Siberia.

CHARACTERISTICS: Largest of the lynx species, its thick fur ranges from reddish brown to grey and features a varying amount of spots or stripes. Their long legs and large feet help them walk on snow and both their short tail and ears are decorated with black tips. With a life span of around 17 years, some individuals have been recorded living for over 20 years. Typically the Eurasian lynx weighs 18 - 35kg, and measures 0.8 - 1.3m in length (including the tail), and about 0.7m at the shoulder.

BIOLOGY: A powerful and efficient hunter, Eurasian lynx are capable of bringing down prey up to three times their size. Small to medium sized mammals make up the bulk of its diet – including deer, wild pigs, hares and rabbits. When larger prey is scarce they will target smaller rodents and birds. They may also sometimes prey on domestic sheep and goats which brings them into conflict with farmers. Litters of 1-4 kittens are born in spring following a gestation period of around 69 days and young will leave their mothers within the year.

CONSERVATION STATUS: Though not regarded as endangered in a general sense, within certain parts of their range the Eurasian lynx has either been wiped out or exists in precariously low population numbers. Protected across most of its range, they are still hunted for their fur in certain areas of Russia and China. There are a number of conservation efforts in place across Europe and Asia for the reintroduction of lynx, which have been at least partially successful. At Port Lympne we are home to 2 Carpathian lynx and 1 Siberian lynx