A close relative of the domestic cat, the lynx is facing an increasingly perilous future as global warming closes in. There are four species of lynx, including the Canadian Lynx which is between 30-40 cm tall and weighs around 10-20 kgs. This cat species inhabits Canada as well as the northern United States and Alaska.
“trapping continues to be one of the greatest threats for the Lynx, and as Lynx are easily trapped, when done during times of low numbers it makes recovery of the population extremely difficult”
Lynx have beautiful fur, unusual ears and big paws, all of which have evolved for the most perfect survival in snow. However, this also means they are very vulnerable to a changing climate. The World Wildlife Fund say that projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change suggest that the boreal forests across America and Canada, which area vital habitat for the lynx, could decline by almost a fifth by 2100. In addition, the steady decline of annual snow cover has the potential to significantly impact the Canadian lynx which thrives in this environment.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the Canadian Lynx as Least Concern because “the species is widespread and abundant over most of its range”. However, in eastern Canada the lynx are rare and protected and in America it is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. There are a number of threats facing this beautiful and enigmatic creature.
Canadian Lynx - Species Highlight
The Big Cat Rescue group says that, “trapping continues to be one of the greatest threats for the Lynx, and as Lynx are easily trapped, when done during times of low numbers it makes recovery of the population extremely difficult”. Also one of the biggest threats to Canadian Lynx numbers is other animals such as competition with the eastern coyote in eastern Canada. The other major threat, according to the IUCN, is the fragmentation of habitat.
The World Wildlife Fund say that projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change suggest that the boreal forests across America and Canada, which are a vital habitat for the lynx, could decline by almost a fifth by 2100.
In America critical habitat is now being designated for conservation management to help survival of the Lynx. To help protect the Canadian Lynx you can:
Choose not to purchase products made from Canadian Lynx fur.
Support development of sustainable forestry and logging practices.
Contact one of the conservation groups who are working to protect the Canadian Lynx and ask how you can be involved.
The Beautiful Lynx!
Green Tip:
Reduce the amount of plastic garbage you produce.
Stop drinking bottled water; filter your own.
Don’t release balloons or allow plastic bags to fly away - animals try to eat these items.
Please learn more about global warming, and the decline of the forests. Teach your children and others about the importance of reducing waste, pollution and greenhouse gases.
Thank you for taking the time to read about Canadian Lynx.
United States and Alaska.
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change suggest that the boreal forests across America and Canada, which are a vital habitat for the lynx, could decline by almost a fifth by 2100. In addition, the steady decline of annual snow cover has the potential to significantly impact the Canadian lynx which thrives in this environment.
Choose not to purchase products made from Canadian Lynx fur.
