L (Part 2) is for LYNX

The conservation status of the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) is CRITICALLY ENDANGERED.  The Iberian Lynx and the Eurasian Lynx are very similar in appearance except the Iberian Lynx is about half the size.  They have a body length of between 85-110 cms (34-43 inches), a tail length of approximately 13 cms (5 inches) and they weigh between 10-13 kgs (22-29 lbs).

Their coat is a grey-brown colour with distinctive black markings and a light coloured underside.  They have tufted ears, long whiskers and wide feet.  The Iberian lynx is nocturnal but during the winter months it is active during the day.

The Iberian lynx inhabits the open forests and thickets of the Iberian Peninsula in South West Europe.  They are solitary animals.  The territories of the males often overlap the territories of several female, and they mark these territories by urinating on trees and rocks.

The Iberian lynx is carnivorous and its diet mainly consists of small mammals, mainly rabbits and birds.  If rabbits are scarce deer and mouflon (the mouflon is a subspecies group of the wild sheep Ovis aries) are hunted.

After a gestation period of about 60 days a litter of 2-3 kittens is born.  The kittens become independent after about 10 months but they will stay within the territory in which they were born until they are about 20 months old.  A female will not breed until she has established her own territory; this could take up to 3 years or in some cases this may never happen.

The main predator of the Iberian lynx is man but these animals are now fully protected by the law.  They are also threatened by the destruction of their habitat and prey base.  The Iberian lynx is thought to be the most endangered feline in the world.  There are no subspecies.  It is also known as Spanish Lynx and Pardel Lynx.

Once again we can only hope that this delightful creature manages to survive.