Siberian lynx

		Siberian lynx
		He is a wild animal


Origin			Siberia
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

The possession of this animal is not authorized Royal Decree establishing the list of mammals not kept for production purposes that may be kept (M.B. 24.08.2009)

The Siberian lynx is a medium-sized predator, measuring 75 cm at the withers and weighing between 15 and 30 kg. Its large footprints can be mistaken for those of the forest cat. This animal is easily recognized by the 3 cm brushes of hair on its ears. It also has a short tail, which allows it to lose less heat during harsh winters. Fur color is highly variable, ranging from creamy white to dark brown, with more or less black spots on the body.

The species lives in eastern Siberia, a very cold region of Russia. The Lynx prefers forested areas with dense, overgrown undergrowth. It is most frequently found in boreal and temperate forests, but can also adapt to steppe and rocky areas.

The lynx is territorial. The male's territory overlaps that of one or more females. He is intolerant of other males crossing his territory, but it is the females who are the most vindictive among themselves. There are, however, "neutral zones" where it is possible to move around without confrontation, often at the limits of the territory. The size of the territory varies from 11 to 300 km², depending on the abundance of prey.

The Siberian lynx is a true specialist in hunting medium-sized game. It is a carnivore, feeding on birds and rodents, as well as deer and chamois.

In Western Europe, roe deer is the lynx's favorite prey, complemented in the mountains (Jura, Alps, Vosges) by chamois. Other possible prey includes young deer, deer fawns, ewes, brown hares, mountain hares, foxes, cats (forest or domestic), marmots and birds. It takes its prey to cover. It generally starts with the hind parts (the "legs"). If left undisturbed, it will consume the entire prey (excluding skin, large bones, head and abdominal viscera) for several days in a row, from early at night until morning. In the meantime, it often covers the animal with moss, grass, leaves, snow, etc. Sheep or goats are generally left at the hunting site.

Finally, unlike other large predators such as wolves and bears, lynxes are not scavengers.

An adult lynx generally requires between 1.5 and 3 kg of meat per day, with variations.