Jitze Couperus. (Published 2009, March 16). Siberian Lynx (Juvenile) [Photograph, 2009, March 14]. Flickr. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/jitze1942/3359491574/. Creative Commons (CC) by 2.0.

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Exploring the Lynx Genus: 15 Recognized Varieties

E. Silvers
4 min readJul 1, 2024

Meet the Elusive and Elegant Lynx Family

Consider reading the free full-length version → here.

With its distinctive tufted ears, spotted coat, and agile demeanor, the bobcat embodies the spirit of the wild.

Despite their relatively small size, these agile predators are skilled hunters, adapting to various habitats from dense forests to arid deserts.

Bobcats roam diverse landscapes, including even polluted, human-made infrastructures, showcasing their agility and prowess as apex predators.

This elusive and beautiful feline, commonly known as the “bobcat” and scientifically named “Lynx rufus,” belongs to the “Felidae” family.

It’s a common misconception among North Americans, due to the bobcat being native to North America, that the term “bobcat” refers to various species within the “Lynx” genus. In truth, the bobcat is a single species within the Lynx genus.

#1. (Left) Jitze Couperus. (Published 2012, March 14). Juvenile Bobcat — being acclimated to hang out with humans [Photograph, 2012, March 10]. Flickr. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/jitze1942/6981465163/. Creative Commons (CC) by 2.0. #2 (Right) Jitze Couperus. (Published 2012, March 14). Juvenile Bobcat — being acclimated to hang out with humans [Photograph, 2012, March 10]. Flickr. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/jitze1942/6984071587/. Creative Commons (CC) by 2.0.

The Lynx Genus: 15 Recognized Varieties

The lynx family is known for producing a multitude of naturally-textured coats, each with different patterns and lovely soft earth-tones that change lightly with the seasons.

Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)

(The Iberian Lynx is the most endangered cat species in the world.)

— Location: Iberian Peninsula in Europe

— Coat: Yellowish-brown with distinctive black spots.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)

(The largest species of lynx.)

— Location: Europe and Asia

— Coat: Light grey to reddish-brown with faint spots.

Siberian Lynx (Lynx lynx wrangeli)

#1. (Left) Jitze Couperus. (Published 2009, March 16). Siberian Lynx (Juvenile) [Photograph, 2009, March 14]. Flickr. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/jitze1942/3359491574/. Creative Commons (CC) by 2.0. #2 (Right) Jitze Couperus. (Published 2009, March 16). Siberian Lynx (Juvenile) [Photograph, 2009, March 14]. Flickr. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/jitze1942/3358673363/. Creative Commons (CC) by 2.0.

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E. Silvers
E. Silvers

Written by E. Silvers

Self-published multi-genre author of fictional book series, screenplays, and short stories who enjoys studying religion, science, and language. | esilvers.com

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