There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
(09-16-2018, 11:37 AM)GuateGojira Wrote: These two last lynx are as large as an average puma or a leopard, but smaller in weight, that is all.
That's the paradox of Eurasian lynx - its a big cat in size but small in weight. Obviously body and bone structure of lynx are quite different from Pantherinae cats. I guess the bones of this cat are also light but this need a more detailed research. For the lynxes as the most northern of cats obviously the main direction of evolution was to keep the capability to kill relatively large prey but in same time to not allow the cat to sink in 1-2 meters deep snow. Every extra weight in such a conditions is extra burden. I dont say that lynx is made from polystyrene but....
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Probably that's why lynx even got rid of long tail in order to diminish its weight, the tail of cats from this genus somehow resemble the short tails of saber-teeth cats.
Here arise philosophical question what means "large" and "big"? Who is larger - Eurasian lynx or snow leopard? Eurasian lynx probably is bit larger in size or at least equal, while snow leopard is almost twice more massive due to more stocky and robust body structure.
Our lynxes are usually around 20 kg, time to time in hunting there are individuals +25 kg. Actually pretty difficult to find information about biggest ones, even though those are hunted every year and usually hunters like to keep statistics. If I find something, I will share it.