# Iberian lynx (*Lynx pardinus*) The Iberian lynx is a special wild cat that lives in Spain and Portugal. With its tufted ears and spotted fur, it is one of the most endangered cats in the world. They love to hunt rabbits and are very good at it! - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Epic - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Forests and grasslands ![Iberian lynx](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Lince_ib%C3%A9rico_%28Lynx_pardinus%29%252C_Almuradiel%252C_Ciudad_Real%252C_Espa%C3%B1a%252C_2021-12-19%252C_DD_07.jpg&width=800) Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lince_ib%C3%A9rico_%28Lynx_pardinus%29%252C_Almuradiel%252C_Ciudad_Real%252C_Espa%C3%B1a%252C_2021-12-19%252C_DD_07.jpg) ## Appearance The Iberian lynx has a tawny-orange coat covered in distinctive dark spots, often forming stripes on its legs. It features a short tail with a black tip, a prominent facial ruff, and striking black ear tufts. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Felidae - **Genus:** Lynx ## Interesting facts - Each Iberian lynx has unique spots, like human fingerprints! - Iberian lynx are one of the world's most endangered cat species! - They can eat over 3 rabbits a day, if available! - They mark their territory using scent and scratch marks on trees! ## Special abilities - **Stealth Prowler:** Iberian lynx can ambush prey silently because of their soft, padded paws that help them move quietly through dense undergrowth. - **Spot Pattern Camouflage:** Iberian lynx has a spotted coat that helps them blend perfectly into dappled sunlight and shadows, making them nearly invisible to prey. - **Keen Hearing:** Iberian lynx has long ear tufts that might help them funnel sound, enhancing their ability to pinpoint the exact location of hidden prey. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 85-110 cm - **Weight:** 7-13 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-15 years - **Speed:** 70 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-5 - **Gestation:** 63-73 days ## Diet & Feeding These agile hunters mainly feast on rabbits, but will also eat birds and small rodents. - **Primary Foods:** Oryctolagus cuniculus, Alectoris rufa, Lepus granatensis, Microtus duodecimcostatus - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [European rabbit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-rabbit) (*Oryctolagus cuniculus*) — Primary food source, vital for survival. - **Hunts:** [Red-legged partridge](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-legged-partridge) (*Alectoris rufa*) — An alternative prey when rabbits are scarce. - **Shelter:** [Holm oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/holm-oak) (*Quercus ilex*) — Provides critical cover and den sites in their habitat. - **Eaten by:** Grey wolf (*Canis lupus*) — Can occasionally prey on young or weakened lynx. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Iberian lynxes are wild animals, so it's best to admire them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Iberian lynx? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Iberian lynx? 85-110 cm ### How much does Iberian lynx weigh? 7-13 kg ### How long does Iberian lynx live? 10-15 years ### How fast can Iberian lynx move? 70 km/h ### What does Iberian lynx eat? These agile hunters mainly feast on rabbits, but will also eat birds and small rodents. ### Where is Iberian lynx usually found? Forests and grasslands ### How does Iberian lynx hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Madrid Zoo Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/madrid-zoo-aquarium) — Spain, ES · Aquarium - [Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/parque-de-la-naturaleza-de-cab-rceno) — Spain, ES · Zoo - [Selwo Aventura](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/selwo-aventura) — Andalusia, ES · Zoo - [Doñana National Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/do-ana-national-park) — Andalusia, ES · National Park - [Sierra de Andújar Natural Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sierra-de-andujar-natural-park) — Andalucía, ES · Park - [Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sierra-de-cardena-y-montoro-natural-park) — Andalucía, ES · Park [View all places to see Iberian lynx](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/iberian-lynx) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Iberian lynx: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/iberian-lynx)