There are about 9500 lynx in Europe. Get to know the Iberian and Eurasian lynx that live in our continent and the challenges they are facing.



These beautiful and elusive wild cats with tufted ears are protected by the EU Nature Directives, but poaching and the destruction of their habitats remain a cause of concern in many areas. 

© Iberian Lynx Ex-situ conservation programme / WWF

Iberian lynx


My common name: Iberian Lynx, Pardel Lynx, Spanish Lynx

My latin name: Lynx pardinus

Population: I am the most endangered wild cat in the world with only 547 lynx living in the wild.

My address: I live in the Iberian Peninsula (south of Spain and Portugal), in the forest where I can hide and find the food I need. The cork oak forest is my favourite habitat.

My favourite food: I am a carnivore, and my favourite and almost exclusive prey is the rabbit. This selective diet makes me one of the best rabbit hunters.

My way of life: I am solitary, elusive and nocturnal and therefore I am rarely spotted by humans.

Life span: I can survive up to 17 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.

© Staffan Widstrand / WWF

Eurasian lynx


My common name: Eurasian lynx

My latin name: Lynx lynx

Population: Approximately 50,000 individuals.

My address: I have a wide range, extending across Europe and central Asia (I am present on the entire Tibetan plateau), Siberia and East Asia.

My favourite food: I eat small ungulates (hoofed mammals) such as roe deer, and smaller prey like hares.

My way of life: Like my Iberian cousin, I am solitary and secretive.

Life span: I can survive up to 17 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.

How many lynx are there in Europe? How can you tell one lynx from another? Learn more about this beautiful animal.
 

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Get to know the lynx through the eyes of people working with this endangered animal. Read interesting testimonies, stories and interviews.

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