European Lynx

The fur of the European lynx (Felis lynx) varies from ash blue to reddish brown; also, the number and arrangement of spots varies. Its ear tips characteristically have tufts of hair. The lynx is a huge cat; it can weigh up to 30 kg, and its height (at the withers) can reach 70 cm.

The lynx belongs to the boreal forest fauna, and its territory includes the boreal forest zone of North America. At one time these great cats inhabited almost all of Europe; now, however, their area has become considerably smaller and more fragmented. In some European countries, such as France, Switzerland, and Austria, the lynx has been reintroduced; however, lacking sufficient prey, the lynx attacks flocks and herds. In Latvia there have been no reported attacks on domestic animals - evidently, there are sufficient numbers of rabbits, deer, beavers, rodents, and birds for the lynx to hunt.

Although the lynx is a forest dweller, it cannot be found in every large forest. Like the wolf, the lynx avoids contact with humans. Very few people can boast of encountering a lynx. In 1998, 700 lynx were counted. It is legitimate to hunt lynx, and in recent years approximately 100 lynx have been killed annually.

© The Latvian Institute, 2001

This fact sheet can be freely printed from homepage of the Latvian Institute, distributed and cited, on condition that the Latvian Institute is acknowledged as the source. The Latvian Institute is a non-profit organisation (a State Corporation with limited liability) established to promote knowledge about Latvia abroad. It produces publications, in several languages, on many aspects of Latvia.