Spanish lynx, one of the rarest representatives of the fauna of our planet. There are very few of these stunningly beautiful animals in the wild. Of course, huge efforts are being made now to preserve and increase the population of the Spanish lynx, but according to various estimates in the wild, adults are only about 150.
Spanish Iberian lynx
Description
Pyrenee lynx is quite small in size. The lynx grows to 70 centimeters at the withers, and the body length (excluding the tail) is about a meter. Since the size of the lynx is small, it hunts only for small prey. The tail is about 12 15 tip long, which is painted black.
The Spanish lynx has an amazing and completely excellent color from its closest relative European lynx. On the sand-beige color, spots of dark brown or black color are brightly distinguished. The color of the Pyrenee lynx is very similar to the color of the cheetah, leopard. The fur is quite short and rude. The female is a little less than the male. But both sexes are endowed with wonderful, thick bacenbards of dark color. As well as, as expected, Lynx has long dark brushes at the tips of the ears.
Habitat
It is very difficult to meet in the wild in the wild in the wild. The main habitat is the mountainous areas of Spain. The number of individuals was also insignificant in the National Park of Kot-de-Donyan.
But just 120 years ago, the habitat of the Spanish lynx was the entire Pyrenee peninsula and the south of France.
What eats
In view of its small size, the Spanish lynx eats not large representatives of mammals. The main diet for lynx is a European rabbit. In addition to the rabbit, the lynx also hunt for the Iberian rabbit.
Another item in the lying menu is a bird. These are red partridges, ducks and geese. Small rodents can also become a lunch for the Pyrenee lynx.
Occasionally a lynx attacks larger prey young deer, muflons and a doe.
Natural enemies
Since the Spanish lynx is a predator and to be at the top of the food chain of carnivorous natural enemies in the wild.
The main threat to the Pyrenee lynx is a person. This is a hunt, on these stunningly beautiful animals, for the sake of fur and the destruction of a natural and familiar habitat.
One more enemy can also be distinguished, though hidden a tendency to diseases. Since the population of the lynx is slightly limited, closely related crossing entails a decrease in resistance to diseases and the degeneration of the genus.
Interesting Facts
- The Spanish lynx has several more names: the Iberian lynx; Pyrenee lynx; Sardinian lynx.
- The Spanish lynx lives one by one and with a clearly delimited territory. The territory of the male affects the territory of several females.
- The Spanish lynx is reckoned with dying species (EN status) and be under guard.
- The kittens of the Spanish lynx at a small age (about two months) are very aggressive in relation to each other. Growl, bite and scratch. Their skirmishes are not like “fraternal” games, and often such a fight can end with the death of a weaker trot.
- Mother transfers her trot to a new lair of more than once every 20 days.
