Lynx (cat) - Definition and Overview

Lynx
Canadian Lynx
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae Genus: Lynx
Species
Lynx lynx Lynx canadensis Lynx pardinus Lynx rufus

A Lynx is any of several medium-sized wild cats. Most are members of the genus Lynx, but there is considerable confusion about the best way to classify felids at present, and some authorities classify all lynxes as part of the genus Felis.

Lynxes have short tails, and usually a tuft of hair on the tip of the ears. They range about 5 kg or about 11 pounds (roughly the size of a large Domestic Cat) up to about 30 kg (66 pounds).

• Lynx or Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx or Lynx borealis
• Canadian Lynx, Lynx lynx canadensis or Lynx canadensis
• Iberian Lynx or Spanish Lynx, Lynx pardinus
• Bobcat, Lynx rufus

The Marbled Cat, Pardofelis marmorata, is sometimes also classified with the Lynxes.

Hunting Lynxes is illegal in many countries.

As of 2003, the Lynx is being reintroduced to Colorado.