Lynx Species of The World

The Genus Lynx is currently comprised of four species, all medium sized cats with stocky bodies, strong, high limbs and short bobbed tails. Pelage is brownish or reddish, and they all have varying degrees of spotting. The Genus originally represented an adaptation to the moderate and cold climates of the northern hemisphere. Later forms developed on the outer borders of the range that were able to adapt to subtropical conditions: the Spanish lynx in Europe, and the Bobcat in The Americas.

The question of whether the Iberian, Canadian and Eurasian lynx should be classed as subspecies, or be given full species status has raged for years.  The Eurasian Lynx was once considered a subspecies of the bob-tailed cat complex that includes the Canada Lynx, Iberian Lynx, and the Bobcat. Today, most scientists consider these four cats to be separate species, with vastly different conservation concerns. 

We have written fact sheets for each of the four cats in this Genus:  

Canada Lynx Lynx canadensis - Found in Alaska, Canada, and a small USA population which is the subject of reintroductions

Eurasian Lynx Lynx lynx - Large range of western and central Europe, also a subject of reintroductions in various countries

Iberian Lynx Lynx pardinus - Very small population limited to Spain

Bobcat Lynx rufus - Large range encompasses southern Canada, the USA and Mexico

 Roll your mouse over the pictures to see who's who!