Bobcat
There are four subspecies of the lynx cat, with two, the Iberian lynx and Eurasian lynx, existing in Europe and parts of Asia, while the Canadian lynx and the bobcat are North American creatures.
Geography
The range of the bobcat covers most of the United States while the Canadian lynx resides throughout much of Canada and states such as Alaska, Maine and Montana. The Eurasian lynx is more widespread, existing from Western Europe to northern parts of Asia. The Iberian, or Spanish lynx, is found in Spain and Portugal.
Size
The Canadian lynx and Iberian lynx are similar in size and can weigh up to 40 lbs. and be as long as 42 inches, including the short stubby tail. The bobcat is lighter but longer than its close cousins. The heaviest lynx is a Eurasian lynx subspecies called the Siberian lynx, which can weigh as much as 80 lbs.
Features
The Canadian lynx has very large paws with thick hair that act as snowshoes in its harsh wintry territory. The bobcat has smaller feet and has black hind legs, while the Canadian lynx has beige hind legs. The fur of the Spanish lynx has many spots and is thinner than those of other lynx species. The Eurasian lynx has long, light-colored fur in the winter and shorter, darker-colored fur in the summer.
Decline in Populations
The Canadian lynx depends heavily on the snowshoe hare for a food source and its populations fluctuate up and down in relation to the abundance of these animals. A disease that decimated rabbit populations in Spain and Portugal led to the decline of the Iberian lynx and there are only about 300 left in the wild.
Special Considerations
The bobcat has the ability to live in hot or cold climates and, although an accomplished climber, it feels more at home on the ground, states the San Diego Zoo website. All the lynx species are solid swimmers and the Eurasian lynx is able to navigate across a river if necessary.
Tags: Canadian lynx, Eurasian lynx, Iberian lynx, while Canadian, while Canadian lynx