Lynx – Habitat
The lynx inhabits the high altitude forests with dense cover of shrubs, reeds and grass. Though the cat hunts only on the ground, it can climb trees and swim. Though it can be found in the northern regions of Scandinavia, it is primarily found in North America and also in pockets in the Himalayas.
The Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) was considered to be extinct in Slovenia and Croatia since the beginning of 20th century, but resettlement project that begun in 1973 was a success. Today lynx can be found in Slovenian Alps and in Croatian regions of Gorski Kotar and Velebit. In both countries lynx is listed as an endangered species and protected by law. Lynx-spotting in nature can be arranged in cooperation with Croatian National Park “Risnjak”. Since the 1990s there have been numerous efforts to resettle the Eurasian Lynx in Germany. It can also be found in Białowieża Forest (northeastern Poland). The critically endangered Iberian Lynx lives in southern Spain and before, eastern Portugal. Lynx is more common in northern Europe – especially in Estonia, Finland and northern parts of Russia.
Starting in 1999, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has begun a program reintroducing a wild lynx population back to the United States. The animals’ distribution were restricted to Canada before being brought to the Colorado Rockies, where after being tagged with radio collars frequently migrated throughout the western United States. While showing early signs of promise, biologists say it will take more than a decade to determine whether the program is a success. However, in 2006 the first case of a native-born Colorado lynx giving birth since 1999 was documented, it gave birth to 2 kittens affirming the possibility of successful reintroduction.
Categories: Lynx
