Carpathian Lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus)

Order: Carniovora
Family: Felidae

IUCN Red list: LC (Least concern)

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Habitat

Large forested areas of the Carpathian Basin

Informations

A highly protected species in Hungary!

The Eurasian lynx has several subspecies, one of which lives in the mountain ranges of the Carpathians – the Carpathian lynx. It is a shy wild cat that survives mainly in dense forests where human disturbance is minimal.

Like other members of the cat family, the lynx shares many typical feline traits, but it also has some distinctive features. Its short tail is linked to its hunting style. The lynx usually stalks its prey silently and then captures it with a sudden leap, typically within a distance of about 20 meters. It rarely chases prey farther than 100 meters. Because of this hunting strategy, it does not need a long tail for steering during long pursuits, and in dense forests a long tail would only hinder its quiet movement.

Another characteristic feature is the tuft of hair on the tips of its ears. It is believed that these ear tufts may help enhance the lynx’s already excellent hearing. Cold winters are not a problem for this animal, as its fur is extremely dense: about 9,000 hairs grow on each square centimeter of skin, while on the human scalp there are roughly 130 hairs per square centimeter.

During hunting, a lynx may travel 7–8 kilometers in search of prey, and in winter, when food is scarce, it can cover distances of up to 20 kilometers.

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