Eurasian lynx - Ecology & Habitat
Adapted to many habitats
Boreal Forest ('taiga') is typical lynx habitat, but the species also occurs in semi-deserts, and in northern latitudes they can even survive in the tundra.
In Central Asia, the species is found in more open, thinly wooded areas, as well as rocky and mountain areas of the desert regions. It also occurs on the northern slopes of the Himalayas, where it is said to inhabit thick scrub woodland and barren, rocky areas above the treeline.Life Cycle
Kittens wean at the age of 4 months, and leave their mother at the age of 10 months. Whereas females reach sexual maturity one year after, males only begin mating at three years of age. In the wild, females may reproduce at least until 14 years and males until 16-17 years. About half of juvenile lynx do not reach adult age. In the wild, the species is reported to live up to 17 years and in captivity they can reach an age of 25 years.
Breeding
The species mating period lasts from February to mid-April, and females give birth to 2-3 kittens some 67 to 74 days after mating, usually in late May.
Diet
The lynx feeds on small ungulates (hoofed mammals) such as roe deer, and smaller prey like hares where the former is scarce.