A Eurasian lynx standing in snow in the Bavarian Forest
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Felidae · Lynx lineage

Eurasian lynx

Lynx lynx

The largest lynx, a forest and mountain predator recognised by ear tufts and a short black-tipped tail.

IUCN RED LISTLC

Least concern

Population trend · Stable
PHOTO · Aconcagua
CC BY-SA 3.0
BODY LENGTH80–130 cm
WEIGHT8–30 kg
POPULATIONStable
REVIEWED02 Aug 2026
01 / OVERVIEW

Meet the
eurasian lynx.

The Eurasian lynx occupies an immense but uneven range. Some European populations have recovered through protection and reintroduction, while others remain small or isolated.

02

Appearance

Long-legged with broad paws, prominent ear tufts, facial ruffs and a short tail ending in a wholly black tip. Coat spotting varies.

03

Behaviour

Mostly solitary and often crepuscular or nocturnal, moving quietly through cover to ambush prey.

04

Diet

Feeds mainly on small-to-medium ungulates and hares, depending on region and prey availability.

05

Habitat

Boreal and temperate forest, woodland mosaics and rocky mountain country.

06

Distribution

Found from parts of Europe across northern and central Asia.

RANGE & FIELD STATIONS

Landscapes in
the record.

REGIONEurasia
EDITORIAL & SOURCES

Trace the record.

Taxonomy and status can change as evidence improves. This record was last reviewed on 02 Aug 2026.

  1. Classification of living cat speciesIUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group
  2. Cat species of the worldIUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group
  3. The IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesInternational Union for Conservation of Nature