Local name: tsogde (Balti: Baltistan)

Description and Biology:

The Eurasian lynx is the largest of the lynxes. Adult males weigh on average 21.6 kg (n=103), while females are slightly smaller at 18.1 kg (n=93). The Eurasian lynx has relatively long legs, and large feet which provide a “snowshoe effect”, allowing for more efficient travel through deep snow. In winter, the fur grows very densely on the bottom of the feet . The coat is greyish, with tint varying from rusty to yellowish. A bright reddish tint, with profuse spotting, is seen most frequently in the south-western part of the lynx’s range (southern Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus: Heptner and Sludskii 1972). Eurasian lynx have long, prominent black ear tufts, and short black-tipped tails. Lynx activity peaks in the evening and morning hours, with resting mainly around mid-day and midnight. Eurasian Lynx are capable of killing prey 3-4 times the size of their own weight (all above information from Iucn’s Cats Specialist Group). In pakistan the main prey of Lynx is the young of Ibex, Markhor and the Marcopolo Sheep, Musk deer, Marmots, Red Fox, Pikas and ground birds.

Habitat and Distribution:

Lynx are probably found throughout the northern slopes of the Himalayas, and have been reported both from thick scrub woodland and barren, rocky areas above the treeline (Roberts 1977). In Pakistan the Eurasian Lynx is found in remote mountanious regions of the North. It is found in Baltistan, Gilgit, Northern Hunza and Chitral. It is relatively common in Baltistan, elsewhere is is rare.