Lynx (Carpathian)

More about Carpathian lynx...

At DZG we hold Carpathian lynx, a subspecies of the Eurasian lynx, found in the Carpathian mountain regions of Europe. It is a comparatively large cat, characterised by long legs, a bob tail, tall ears adorned with conspicuous black tufts and cheek hair which forms a facial ruff.

Their thick soft fur is more densely spotted than in other sub-species.

The lynx’s haunts include the remote northern forests of Europe and Asia where their thick fur keeps them warm during the freezing winters.

Their large paws are also furry and hit the ground with a spreading toe motion that makes them function as natural snowshoes.

These stealthy cats avoid humans and hunt at night, so they are rarely seen.

They prey on a range of animals including deer, wild goats, sheep and when food is scarce on smaller creatures such as rabbits, hares, foxes and small rodents.

Like many cat species they are solitary in their behaviour and come together only to breed.

Female lynx give birth to a litter of one to four cubs after a gestation period of 63-70 days.

The female raises the litter singly – the male plays no part.

DZG’s pair of lynx are part of a European Breeding Programme.