Overview
Similar in appearance to the Eurasian Lynx, though it is considerably smaller in size. It is a distinctive, medium-sized cat with prominent black ear tufts, pronounced cheek ruffs, relatively long legs, very large feet, and a short tail with a black tip. The coat is reddish-gray to yellowish-gray, and may be predominantely spotted, predominantely striped, or unpatterned. The winter coat is long, soft and thick, and the paws are densely furred for walking in snow.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Felidae
- Genus
- Lynx
Habitat
Coastal plains, mountainous grasslands, and broken forest areas. Distribution- Restricted to two separate regions of southwestern Spain, namely eastern Sierra Morena and the coastal plains west of the lower Guadalquivir, and small regions of mainland Portugal.
Diet
Rabbits make up the majority of this cat's diet.
Behavior
Solitary, except when breeding or when females are with their young. Territorial. Mating season is March-April. The female delivers one litter a year, usually with 2-3 kittens (range is 1-5) that remain with her until the following winter. A shy animal that is seldom seen by humans. Active mainly during evening and morning. A poor, quickly winded runner, but a tireless walker and good tree climber. Good swimmer, able to cross large rivers. Eyesight and hearing are good, sense of smell is adequate.
Hunting
Not hunted legally.
Conservation Status
Listed as Endangered by IUCN.