Pyrenean lynx. Real spanish beauty

It is believed that the Iberian lynx descended from a large cave lynx - a member of the cat family weighing 30 kg, roaming Europe about 100,000 years ago. Paleontologists believe that ice ages the Pleistocene led to the isolation of one of the groups of cave cats; natural boundaries of its habitat have become northern ice on the one hand, and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. The same reasons contributed to the evolution of a new species of lagomorphs; he became the forerunner of the animals we now call wild rabbits. It is not surprising that as a result natural selection when switching to a smaller type of food under new conditions, the size of the cave lynx decreased and camouflage spots appeared on its skin. The acquisition of new qualities has reduced the competition of the Iberian lynx with the common one - the most close-up view modern lynxes that came to Europe from Asia. The small Iberian lynx feeds on rabbits, while lynx hunts roe deer and chamois.

In archaeological sites throughout the Iberian Peninsula and southern France, numerous remains of Iberian lynxes (and their prey - rabbits) have been found, indicating that people began to exterminate these cats very early in order to obtain their skins and meat. The range of the species has steadily declined as Mediterranean forests have given way to arable land, grazing land and artificial forest plantations. However, in the first half of the 20th century, lynxes still thrived in the southern part of their former range, although there were fewer of them in the north.

By the beginning of the 20th century, the Iberian lynx population survived only in the mountainous regions of the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Two factors may have accelerated the extinction of this already greatly reduced population. First, the Spanish government supported the systematic extermination of lynxes. The situation worsened after myxomatosis was brought from France, destroying entire populations of rabbits. Although in 1974 the Iberian lynx was taken under legal protection in Spain and Portugal, its numbers did not increase, as the lynxes fell into loops and traps intended for other animals. Currently, lynxes live on less than 2% of all rural areas Spain (compared to 11% in 1960). Small populations are distributed over approximately 10 points isolated from each other. Total population species does not exceed 600 individuals.

The IUCN considers the Iberian lynx the most vulnerable feline in the world, and it is likely that these cats will disappear from our planet forever in the first decades of the 21st century. European conservationists are doing everything possible to prevent their extinction.

Pyrenean or Spanish lynx (Lynx pardinus)- a species of predatory mammal from the cat family.

Description

The Pyrenean lynx, in appearance, is similar to a close relative, (lynx lynx). Has a similar body size to (Lynx canadensis) and (Lynx rufus). Sexual dimorphism is pronounced, males are larger than females. Spanish lynxes have relatively small heads, long legs, and very short, black-tipped tails. They have short, flat muzzles, black tufts on their ears, and "whiskers" on their cheeks that give them a bearded appearance. appearance which is especially noticeable in adults. The color of the fur is yellowish-brown, there are dark spots that vary greatly in size, shape and color intensity.

Since lynxes of this species prey on small animals, they have a shortened skull, which allows them to make the most strong bite. In addition, they have narrower snouts, longer jaws, and smaller fangs than felids that specialize in large prey. These features give the lynx an advantage when catching small, fast prey, and allow it to kill prey in one bite.

area

The Iberian lynx is one of two carnivorous species endemic to Europe (the other being the European mink). (Mustela Lutreola)). Their historical range is limited to the Iberian Peninsula, southwestern Spain and most of Portugal. Although they were once widespread throughout the region, their geographic range has shrunk significantly over the last century and a half. Currently, lynxes occupy about 2% of their original range.

Habitat

Spanish lynxes prefer terrain below 1300 m above the level, where there are shrubs interspersed with open grasslands, often with marsh ecotones. Lynxes use wooded areas as shelter, as well as for rest and breeding.

reproduction

The Pyrenean lynx, like most felines, is polygynous. Sexual maturity occurs at about 1 year of age. Estrus in the female begins in January, but may recur within a year if the pregnancy is interrupted or premature death of the cubs occurs. The gestational period is 63 to 73 days, and most births occur between March and April. The number of cubs in a litter varies from 2 to 4. Breastfeeding lasts up to 10 weeks, and complete independence occurs at 7-8 months.

Lifespan

The oldest representative of the Pyrenean lynx, in wild nature has reached the age of 13. The lifespan of individuals in captivity is unknown.

Food

Like most felines, Spanish lynxes often hunt alone and kill prey with a single bite to the throat. Their small size and good camouflage make them excellent hunters of small mammals. 80 to 100% of the diet consists of European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). One adult lynx needs from 600 to 1000 kcal per day. This amount of energy is contained in the carcass of one rabbit. An adult female with cubs requires up to three rabbits per day. When European rabbits are in short supply, the Pyrenean lynx feeds on small vertebrates, namely rodents. (Rodentia) and Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis). They also consume birds, including red partridges. (Alectoris rufa), ducks, and geese, and sometimes prey on young ungulates such as red deer (Cervus elaphus), doe (dama dama) and mouflon (Ovismusimon).

Behavior

Spanish lynxes are solitary predators that exhibit social structure. They are nocturnal or crepuscular animals. Most activity begins when potential prey is at its peak. Daily activities are related to the search for food, usually the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). AT winter period, the Pyrenean lynx, may be temporarily diurnal.

Adult females and males live in overlapping territories, and both sexes defend their territories against possible threats. When food is in short supply, bobcats become aggressive and may kill other predators to reduce competition for prey. Dogs (Canis familiaris), domestic cats (Felis catus), red foxes (Vulpes Vulpes), ordinary genets (Genetta genetta), Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) and otters (Lutra lutra) often become victims of the Pyrenean lynx.

home range

Prey density and habitat quality have a significant impact on the size of the home range, which ranges from 4 to 20 km². They cover about 7 km a day in search of prey. Prey density is inversely proportional to home range size (higher food density = smaller home range). For example, in areas with low rabbit densities, lynx home range sizes are 12-17 km². Where prey is more abundant, ranges vary between 5-10 km².

Communication and perception

Like Spanish lynxes, they have vertical pupils and excellent vision, especially at night. They have good reflexes, "whiskers" provide additional tactile sensations, and big ears allows you to pick up a lot of sounds. In times of danger, lynxes use vocalizations.

Threats

Being at the top of the carnivorous chain, the Pyrenean lynx has no natural enemies. The main threat to these predatory mammals comes from a person. Hunting for fur has greatly reduced and endangered the population of the Spanish lynx.

Role in the ecosystem

Spanish lynxes regulate the population of European rabbits. These animals have very specific habitat requirements. As a result, they can serve as reliable bioindicators of ecosystem health. In addition, the moderate population density of the Pyrenean lynx may have a positive effect on general level suitability of prey, as predation acts as a disease-fighting mechanism. And finally, adult lynxes often kill their competitors (i.e. small predators), resulting in increased prey, thereby lowering the territory size requirement per lynx.

Economic importance for humans

positive

Lynxes are hunted for their valuable fur. The Iberian lynxes, by controlling the rabbit population, indirectly slow down the growth of the diseases they carry, such as myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease.

negative

Attacks on livestock are very rare, and no severe attacks on humans have been recorded.

conservation status

Spanish lynxes are an endangered species. In the last century, they have undergone a significant population decline and range reduction due to human activity and disease outbreaks in European rabbits, resulting in a significant decline in their primary prey. The conservation of the Iberian lynx population requires an immediate and coordinated effort on the part of the Spanish and Portuguese authorities.

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The Iberian (Spanish, Sardinian) lynx is outwardly similar to its close relatives - the common, Canadian and red lynx. Although it is smaller. So, the height is 50-70 centimeters, the length is from 80 centimeters to 1 meter, the tail with a black tip is from 15 to 30 centimeters. Males, as usual, are larger than females, weighing an average of 13-14 kilograms (although there are individuals reaching 25 kg). Females are lighter - 9.5-10 kilograms.

The skull is shorter than that of the common lynx, the muzzle is flat and narrow, the jaws are quite long. But fangs are smaller than those of felines that hunt large animals. This structure of the skull and muzzle allows you to easily catch small fast prey and kill it instantly.

The ears are decorated with black tassels, the cheeks are framed with dark whiskers, which makes the animals look like bearers. The fur is short - because where the Pyrenean lynx lives, it is warm, it is yellow-brown in color. The entire surface of the body (including paws) is decorated with dark spots. different forms and sizes. Coloring is very similar to leopard.

Habitat

The Iberian lynx lives on the Iberian Peninsula, in the southwestern regions of Spain and almost throughout Portugal. Not so long ago (in the 19th century), the animal completely occupied the Spanish and Portuguese territories, but their number was greatly reduced. Now the majority lives in national reserve Coto de Doñana.

Habitat

reproduction

Kittens already in the second month of life eat raw meat, but the mother feeds them with milk for up to five months. At six months, young lynxes already begin to hunt on their own, but until they completely decide on a hunting ground (at about 20 months), they remain to live with their mother.

Food

The structure of the skull and jaws allows the lynx to catch small animals with dexterity. Their small size combined with their camouflage make them excellent hunters of small mammals.

The Pyrenean lynx is a solitary hunter, the basis of its diet is rabbits. For an adult animal, it is necessary to eat at least one carcass per day. Also, hares and various kinds of rodents, snakes, birds turn out to be prey. The Pyrenean lynx catches fish in reservoirs and can grab and eat a gaping insect. It happens that the prey is a fallow deer, deer or mouflon cub.

Possessing excellent eyesight and sense of smell, most often the lynx freezes on a tree branch or in the shelter of rocks and waits for the approach of the victim, which it then attacks. The spotted hunter does not eat the prey immediately - it first takes it away and only then proceeds to the meal. If it is not possible to cope with all the prey, then it hides and is eaten for tomorrow.

Lifestyle, behavior

The Pyrenean lynx is a solitary predator. Activity is shown with the onset of twilight, and is directly dependent on the activity of the prey - the Pyrenean rabbit. In winter, when the rabbit lives a day life, the lynx also switches to the same mode.

Each animal has its own territory, males - up to 18 square kilometers, females have it smaller - up to 10. Their territories overlap, each sex protects its possessions from strangers and potential threats. Lynxes mark the boundaries of plots with the help of smells - they mark with urine or excrement, they leave scratches on trees.

If there is little food in the possessions, then the lynxes show aggression and kill other animals, seeing them as competitors. Foxes, otters, common dogs, mongooses become their victims.

Threats

Since the Pyrenean lynx occupies one of the top lines in the food chain, they have no natural enemies. The only person who can be considered an enemy is a human. For the sake of beautiful fur, most of the Spanish lynx was killed, and now there are only two percent of the number that existed in the 19th century.

Role in the ecological system

conservation status

The Pyrenean lynx is a species of rapidly disappearing mammals. If at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries there were more than a hundred thousand copies, then by the middle of the 20th there were a little more than 3 thousand, and by the beginning of the 21st century - only four hundred animals. This animal is included not only in the Red Book, but also in all sorts of lists and conventions dedicated to endangered animals.

Created special program to breed lynx in captivity, which will make it possible to restore the population.

After years of effort, the world's most endangered feline population is starting to recover. Today we take a closer look at the Pyrenean lynx and take a look at the beautiful and very soulful photographs taken by the Endangered Iberian Lynx Conservation Program, which complements the ongoing efforts to conserve the environment in which our most rare species of lynx lives.

Appearance and habits of the Iberian lynx

The Iberian or Spanish, Sardinian, Pyrenean lynx (lat. Lynx pardinus) is a rapidly disappearing cat species on the planet, the reasons for the extinction of this species include: the destruction of its habitat, historical persecution by humans; reduction of its potential production (mountain rabbit) due to two viral diseases (myxomatosis in the 50s and viral hemorrhagic disease of the rabbit in the 80s); in recent years, a medical risk due to the lack of genetic diversity, which makes the Iberian lynx very vulnerable to disease.

The Iberian lynx is integral part evolutionary development large carnivores. Although its appearance resembles a large cat, it is much closer to a tiger on an evolutionary scale. In addition, she has character traits, which clearly differ from other animal species of the Iberian Peninsula, which fortunately makes great efforts to restore the population of this beautiful and very rare lynx.

A photo. Cute lynx muzzle

A photo. Mom looks after active Iberian lynx kittens

A photo. Little kitty iberian lynx

The Iberian lynx is smaller than the Eurasian lynx (lat. Lynx lynx), it has a characteristically shortened tail, recognizable coat, muscular body and long legs. It has relatively short coarse fur that is bright yellowish red to yellowish brown with brown or black spots, and a white underparts. Male Iberian lynxes are larger than females, and both have prominent whiskers on their muzzles and long tufts of dark hair at the tips of their ears.

Animal sizes. Body length: 65-100 cm, shoulder height: 40-50 cm, tail length: 5-19 cm, weight 5-15 kg.

The Iberian lynx is mostly nocturnal, peaking at dusk when people leave their homes to feed their pets. Both sexes are solitary and territorial, with the male's territory overlapping with that of several females. Females reach sexual maturity in their first year of life, but only start breeding after they have established their own territory. Peaks mating season fall at the beginning of the year: January and February, the birth of kittens occurs in two months. The female takes care of her litter herself, which may have one to four kittens in a lair, which may be in a thicket or in a hollow tree. Weaning occurs at about eight months of age, but youngsters tend to stay in the same territory until they are 20 months old. European rabbits (lat. Oryctolagus cuniculus) form the main food of the Iberian lynx, in contrast to the larger Eurasian lynx, which mainly feeds on ungulates such as roe deer (lat. Capreolus capreolus) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). Lynx can also eat small deer if there are very few rabbits.

A photo. Evolution of the territory reduction of the Iberian lynx

Historically, the lynx is distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Until the mid-1990s, a small and highly fragmented population was found only in declining areas of suitable habitat in the central and southwestern parts of Spain, and in parts of Portugal. Currently, there are approximately 360 individuals.

Measures to restore the population of the Iberian lynx

Fortunately, already according to the results of the calculation carried out in 2015, one can see the first fruits of this titanic work. Data show that the population of the Iberian lynx has quadrupled in the last 15 years.

A photo. Adult Iberian lynx

A photo. Little growing claws

A photo. Iberian lynx kittens at a gathering

It is very difficult to save this animal from the cat family from extinction. The Iberian lynx is what is called an "umbrella species", which means that by keeping the lynx we will also protect the environment in which it lives: the Mediterranean forest and many other species that are not so well known in the media. In particular, most of the efforts are aimed at increasing the population of the mountain (rocky) rabbit, as we already wrote, they were subjected to two terrible viral diseases.

In order to bring back the lynx population, within the framework of Natura 2000, special conservation areas and LICs (objects of special importance) were designated, which indirectly protected the protected Mediterranean mountains, their fauna and flora.

Trot control as large predator also carried out so that there is no overabundance of other predators such as foxes and mongooses. Interestingly, the result has been reduced pressure on the rabbit, the main prey of the lynx, which in turn is the main food of a species that is also threatened with extinction like the imperial Iberian eagle.

Such a small population of the Iberian lynx is threatened by a growing risk to its health associated with low genetic diversity and it is because of this that additions were made to programs that were focused on returning the species to the natural environment, captive breeding projects were launched to provide the species with sufficient numbers healthy animals.

The Endangered Iberian Lynx Conservation Program has two goals: on the one hand, to restore the lynx population in breeding centers, which is real and allows the development of natural and assisted reproduction techniques. Secondly, to prepare individual individuals of the Iberian lynx for their re-breeding in places that this species has historically inhabited.

In particular, the goal is to maintain 85% of the current genetic variability within 30 years. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to have a reproducing core consisting of at least 60 individuals (30 females and 30 males).

A photo. Growing baby lynx

A photo. Three very small Iberian lynx kittens

A photo. Care in the breeding centers of the Iberian lynx

A photo. Lynx kittens on a fallen tree trunk

As part of captive breeding programs, it is necessary to strive to ensure that the lynx lives in similar conditions as it did in its natural environment, which is very important especially for individuals that will be released into the wild. Specialists who today work in breeding centers strive to awaken the behaviors characteristic of lynxes: hunting, territoriality, social interaction, as well as create a stress-free environment that will facilitate playback.

On the this moment there are five Iberian lynx breeding centers belonging to the Network: El Acebuche (Matalascañas, province of Huelva, Spain), Zoobotánico de Jerez (Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain), Silvis (Silves, Portugal), Granadilla (Zarza de -Granadilla, province of Cáceres, Spain), and Olivilla (Santa Elena, province of Jaén, Spain).

Per Last year as part of the reproduction program, 23 females became pregnant. As a result, 48 Iberian lynx kittens were born and then successfully weaned. The kitten survival rate was 83%, which is much better than the 74% average kitten survival rate over the past 11 years.

Since the Iberian lynx is the smallest of all lynx species, the likelihood of an attack on a person is very small, especially considering its population and habitat (Spain and Portugal). Read more about our other article, as well as how to avoid confrontation with this animal.

Iberian lynx genome decoded
A study coordinated by scientists from the Doñana Biological Station (CSIC - Higher Council for scientific research), has completed genome sequencing of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), one of the world's rarest endangered felines. One of the key findings of the study was evidence of "extreme erosion" of the DNA of this endemic carnivorous mammal of the Iberian Peninsula.

This is the first and full-fledged decoding of the mammalian genome, which was completely carried out in Spain.

The genome of the Iberian lynx represents poor genetic diversity, even worse than that of tasmanian devil and Japanese ibis.

Scientists from various fields of science, such as bioinformatics, genomics, oncology and evolution, have managed to count and sort 2400 billion letters of DNA from a male born in the city of Sierra Morena, which is part of a captive breeding program. The study identified 21,257 genes similar to those of cats, tigers, cheetahs and dogs.

The experts found traces of changes associated with hearing, vision and smell, facilitating the adaptation of the lynx to environment, a skill that allowed her to become a great rabbit hunter. In addition to studying the genome of ten other Iberian lynx individuals from Doñana and Sierra Morena and conducting a comparative analysis with the European lynx, the relationship between two lynxes living in Eurasia was analyzed.

Genome sequencing has confirmed the presence of a large number potentially harmful genetic variations that are responsible for the reduced survival and reproduction rates of this species. The genetic decline is more pronounced in the Doñana population, which has half the genetic diversity of the Sierra Morena lynx.

This stage will contribute to the search for ways to control and genetically preserve the Iberian lynx population. The study was published in the December 2016 issue of Genome Biology.

It has another name - the Iberian lynx. It lives in the southwest of Spain and Portugal.

In its appearance, the Spanish lynx is similar to its relatives that live in Eurasia. She has wide and long paws, a very short tail. The fur of the lynx is long, there are “tanks” on the muzzle, black tassels on the ears and a long mustache. In winter, the fur of the Spanish lynx is light and thick, in summer it is even the other way around. Like many animals, females are smaller than males.

The main background of the lynx color is light, with dark, pronounced spots. The length of the body reaches up to one hundred and ten centimeters, the tail accounts for about twelve centimeters, at the withers the height reaches up to seventy centimeters. An adult weighs from four to ten kilograms. Life expectancy is from ten to thirty years.

The Spanish lynx lives in forested mountainous areas. You can also find them both in forest thickets and on open places. Main enemy animal - man.

The main food ration is made up of hares, rabbits and rats. Not averse to eating insects, birds, fish and reptiles. In the warm season, the lynx leads an active nocturnal lifestyle, in winter it prefers to hunt during the day. Hiding in bad weather full trees or in caves. Runs great. Nature endowed the Spanish lynx with well-developed charm and eyesight, which allows the animal to detect prey at a distance of up to three hundred meters. In one day, a lynx can travel up to seventy kilometers.

The Spanish lynx guards its prey from ambush, hiding on a tree branch, behind a rock or behind a stump. When the prey comes close, it will attack the prey.

The Spanish or Iberian lynx, in addition to the breeding season, leads a solitary lifestyle and protects its site well from strangers. Reproduction begins at the time when the male acquires his own territory, usually by the age of three. During the breeding season, a male may mate with several females. The female brings offspring only once a year. She makes a birthing den in hollow trees. Pregnancy lasts from seventy-two days to seventy-eight days. There are no more than three cubs in a litter. The female mother feeds the babies with milk for five months, and at the age of seven to ten months she releases them, as they say, "to free bread." However, they still continue to live in the possessions of their mother for up to twenty months.

The Spanish lynx is pursued by humans for its meat and skin. Hunting for the Iberian lynx was banned in early 1970, but they continue to be hunted to this day. The lynx is persecuted by the local population, namely farmers, as a predator that attacks livestock from time to time.

The Spanish lynx is a rare species, which is listed in the International Red Book. In 2005, the population was about one hundred and two hundred adults. The main threats to the species are considered to be: a decrease in the number of food resources ( european rabbit), loss of habitats (cutting down and destruction of cork and oak forests) and huge road traffic deaths due to collisions with vehicles.