Squad - Predators
Family - Felines
Genus/Species - Felis rufus
Basic data:
DIMENSIONS
Length: 50-80 cm, tail 15 cm.
Height at withers: 50-60 cm.
Weight: on average 6 kg, some individuals can reach 16 kg.
REPRODUCTION
Puberty: from the year; males take part in mating no earlier than two years of age.
Mating period: February - March; females sometimes bear offspring twice a year.
Pregnancy: 52 days.
Number of cubs: 2-4.
LIFESTYLE
Habits: singles; active at night.
Lifespan: in captivity for more than 30 years.
RELATED SPECIES
28 other species of small wild cats, including the domestic cat.
The red lynx, which is able to easily adapt, can be found almost everywhere: in mountainous areas and forest-steppes, in subtropical swamps and among cactus thickets. Only among the open steppe, devoid of tall vegetation, does the red lynx feel uncomfortable.
FOOD
The red lynx's diet consists of two-thirds hares and rabbits. The rest are mostly small rodents, such as squirrels and mice. Sometimes lynxes also prey on deer, sheep or goats, and even domestic dogs and cats. The red lynx rushes at its prey from behind. Having approached the prey at a fairly short distance, the predator silently jumps on it and, knocking it to the ground, kills it. The red lynx grabs its prey by the throat with its teeth and does not let go until the victim dies. With its strong teeth, the lynx bites the victim's carotid artery and breaks the neck. The red lynx plays with small prey like a cat plays with a mouse.
HABITS
The red lynx is a nocturnal animal. She usually goes hunting at dusk. In the north, in winter, the red lynx also hunts during the day, since it does not have enough food during this period. The red lynx is a territorial animal. The lynx marks the boundaries of the site and its paths with urine and feces. In addition, she leaves marks of her claws on trees. The male learns that the female is ready to mate by the smell of her urine. A mother with cubs is very aggressive towards any animal or person that threatens her kittens.
REPRODUCTION
The only time when individuals of different sexes look for meetings is during the mating season, which occurs at the end of winter - the beginning of spring. The male mates with all the females that are in the same area with him. The female's pregnancy lasts only 52 days. Cubs are born in the spring, blind and helpless. At this time, the female tolerates the male only not far from the den. After about a week, the babies' eyes open slightly, but for another eight weeks they remain with their mother and are fed with her milk. The mother licks their fur and warms them with her body. The female red lynx is a very caring mother. In case of danger, she moves the kittens to another shelter.
When the cubs begin to eat solid food, the mother allows the male to approach the den. The male regularly brings food to the cubs and helps the female raise them. This kind of parental care is unusual for male wild cats. When the kids grow up, the whole family travels, stopping for a short time in various hiding places of the female's hunting area. When the kittens are 4-5 months old, the mother begins to teach them hunting techniques. At this time, kittens play a lot with each other and, thanks to games, learn about different ways of obtaining food, hunting and behavior in difficult situations. The cubs spend another 6-8 months with their mother (before the start of the new mating season).
DID YOU KNOW THAT...
- Red lynxes raised by humans are tamed and become pets, they even allow their owners to pet them.
- The red lynx goes hunting during the day only during the winter period.
- The red lynx is a good swimmer, but rarely enters the water of its own free will. The exception is hot, sunny days, at which time the lynx, in order to cool down, is immersed in water up to its neck.
- The English name for the red lynx draws attention to its curved, short tail.
- The further north of the range you go, the larger the lynxes that are found there.
BORN LYNX AREA
A male red lynx often occupies an area of 100 km2; border areas may be shared by several males. The female's area is half the size. Within the territory of one male, 2-3 females usually live. A male red lynx, whose territory is often home to three females and cubs, must provide food for 12 kittens.
- Range of the red lynx
PLACES OF RESIDENCE
The red lynx is found in North America from southern Canada to southern Mexico.
SAVE
The red lynx is the most common wild cat North America, although in the north it is still hunted for fur and for sport. The Mexican subspecies is in danger of extinction.
Lynx (lat. Lynx) - genus carnivorous mammals the cat family, which is divided into several species:
* Eurasian(common) lynx (lat. Lynx lynx)
* Canada lynx(lat. Lynx canadensis); some sources consider it a subspecies of the common lynx
* Bobcat(lat. Lynx rufus)
* Spanish(Iberian) lynx (lat. Lynx pardinus)
There is also a caracal (lat. Caracal caracal) - steppe lynx, which is separated into a separate genus, despite its external similarity with lynxes.
Eurasian lynx is the largest of all lynxes, body length 80-130 cm and 70 cm at the withers. Males often weigh from 18-30 kg, females weigh on average 18.1 kg. The body, like that of all lynxes, is short and dense. The paws are large and well furred in winter, which allows the lynx to walk on the snow without falling through. There are long tassels on the ears. The tassels on the ears, which distinguish the lynx from other cats, are by no means just decoration - they serve as a kind of antennas, helping the animal to pick up even very quiet sounds. If you cut off the tassels, the lynx's keen hearing is immediately dulled. The tail is short, as if chopped off.
There are many color variations of the lynx, depending on the geographical area - from reddish-brown to fawn-smoky, with more or less pronounced spotting on the back, sides and paws. On the belly, the hair is especially long and soft, but not thick and almost always pure white with sparse speckling. Southern forms are usually more red, their hair is shorter, and their paws are smaller.
The lynx's track is typically cat-like, with no claw marks. When she steps, she places her hind paw in the footprint of her front paw. If several trots are walking, then the hind ones step exactly in the tracks of the front ones.
The Eurasian lynx is the northernmost of the cat species; in Scandinavia it is found even beyond the Arctic Circle. It was once quite common throughout Europe, but by the mid-20th century it was exterminated in most countries of Central and Western Europe. Successful attempts have now been made to revive the lynx population.
Currently, 90% of the Eurasian lynx population lives in Siberia.
Eurasian lynx cub:
The lynx prefers dense dark coniferous forests and taiga, although it is found in a wide variety of plantations, including mountain forests; sometimes enters the forest-steppe and forest-tundra. She climbs trees and rocks very well and swims well.
When there is an abundance of food, the lynx lives sedentary; when there is a shortage, it wanders. It can travel up to 30 kilometers per day. The basis of its diet is hares. It also constantly hunts grouse birds, small rodents, and less often - small ungulates, such as roe deer, musk deer, sika and reindeer, occasionally attacks domestic cats and dogs, and in the forest - foxes, raccoon dogs and other small animals. It destroys foxes especially decisively and viciously, even when this is not particularly necessary.
Lynx hunts at dusk. Contrary to popular beliefs, she never jumps on her prey from a tree, but prefers to watch for game in ambush or stealth, and then attack with large, up to 4 m, jumps. The victim is pursued at a distance of no more than 60-80 m, after which it runs out of steam.
Despite all the caution, the lynx is not very afraid of people. She lives in the secondary forests created by them, in young forests, in old cutting areas and burnt areas; and in times of adversity it enters villages and even big cities.
Canada lynx , or North American lynx, is a species of lynx that lives in the North American taiga. The closest relative of the Eurasian lynx. This type of lynx is half the size of the Eurasian lynx: its body length is 86-117 cm, height at the withers is 60-65 cm; weight 8-14 kg. In captive animals, the weight can reach up to 20 kg in both sexes. The coat color is grayish-brown, turning red in summer; White marks are scattered across the main background, giving the impression of being dusted with snow. There is an unusually light, “blue” color.
Lives in wooded areas of Alaska, Canada, as well as the states of Montana, Idaho, Washington and Colorado.
The Canadian lynx feeds mainly on hares; the size of its population depends on the growth or decline of their population. In addition to the main diet are rodents (squirrels, mice, beavers), red deer, foxes and birds (pheasants).
Future Canadian lynxes on at the moment out of danger; They are endangered only in a few regions.
Canada lynx cubs:
Bobcat - a species of lynx native to North America. Outwardly, it is a typical lynx, but smaller, half the size of a regular lynx, not so long-legged and wide-legged, since it does not need to walk in deep snow, but with a shorter tail. Its body length is 60.2–80 cm, height at withers 30–35 cm, weight 6.7–11 kg.
The general color tone is reddish-brown with a gray tint. Unlike true lynxes, the bobcat has a white marking on the inside of the tip of its tail, while the bobcat's tail is completely black. The southern subspecies have more black markings than the northern ones. There are individuals who are completely black (melanistic) and white(albinos), and the first ones are only in Florida. The bobcat is found from extreme southern Canada to central Mexico and from the east to west coasts of the United States. The bobcat is found in both subtropical forests and arid desert areas, lowland swamps, coniferous and deciduous forests, and even in cultivated landscapes and the environs of large cities. Although the bobcat is a good tree climber, it only climbs trees in search of food and shelter.
The main food of the red lynx is the American rabbit; also catches snakes, mice, rats, gophers and porcupines. Sometimes it attacks birds (wild turkeys, domestic chickens) and even white-tailed deer. Occasionally - on small domestic animals.
The bobcat's natural enemies are other cats: jaguars, pumas and Canadian lynxes.
Red lynx cub:
South Texas Bobcat:
Spanish lynx (Iberian lynx, pardo lynx, Iberian lynx) (Lynx pardinus) is a species of lynx that is found in southwestern Spain (most of it in the Coto Doñana National Park), although the Spanish lynx was originally widespread in Spain and Portugal. Now its range is limited to mountainous areas.
Previously, it was often considered a subspecies of the Eurasian lynx. To date, it has been proven that these are two different types, which evolved independently of each other during the Pleistocene era. It differs from the latter in its lighter color and pronounced spots, giving its color a resemblance to the color of a leopard. In winter, the fur dulls and becomes thinner. It is also half the size of the Eurasian lynx, and therefore hunts mainly small game - hares and rabbits, only occasionally attacking baby deer.
Height at the withers is 45-70 cm, trot length 75-100 cm, including a short tail (12-30 cm), weight 13-25 kg.
The Spanish lynx is one of the most rare species mammals. As of 2005, its population was estimated to be only 100 individuals. For comparison: at the beginning of the 20th century there were about 100 thousand of them, by 1960 - already 3 thousand, by 2000 - only 400.
California ground cuckoo is a North American bird from the cuckoo family (Cuculidae). It lives in deserts and semi-deserts in the south and southwest of the United States and northern Mexico.
Adult ground cuckoos reach a length of 51 to 61 cm, including the tail. They have a long, slightly downward curved beak. The head, crest, back and long tail are dark brown with light splashes. The neck and belly are also light. Very long legs and a long tail are adaptations to the desert running lifestyle.
Most representatives of the cuckoo suborder stay in the crowns of trees and shrubs, fly well, and this species lives on the ground. Thanks to the peculiar build of the body and long legs, the cuckoo moves completely like a chicken. As she runs, she stretches her neck somewhat, slightly opens her wings and raises her crest. Only when necessary does the bird fly into trees or fly short distances.The California ground cuckoo can reach speeds of up to 42 km/h. The special arrangement of her toes also helps her in this, since both outer toes are located back, and both inner toes are located forward. However, due to its short wings, it flies very poorly and can stay in the air for only a few seconds.
The California ground cuckoo has developed an unusual, energy-efficient way to spend cold nights in the desert. At this time of day, her body temperature drops and she falls into a kind of motionless hibernation. On its back there are dark areas of skin not covered with feathers. In the morning, she spreads her feathers and exposes these areas of skin to the sun, due to which her body temperature quickly returns to normal levels.
This bird spends most of its time on the ground and hunts snakes, lizards, insects, rodents and small birds. She is fast enough to kill even small vipers, which she grabs by the tail with her beak and hits her head on the ground like a whip. She swallows her prey whole. This bird got its English name Road Runner because it had the habit of running after mail coaches and grabbing small animals disturbed by their wheels.
The ground cuckoo fearlessly appears where other desert inhabitants are reluctant to penetrate - into the domain of rattlesnakes, since these poisonous reptiles, especially young ones, serve as prey for birds. The cuckoo usually attacks the snake, trying to hit it in the head with its powerful long beak. At the same time, the bird constantly jumps, dodging the opponent’s throws. Ground cuckoos are monogamous: during the period of hatching the chicks, a pair is formed, and both parents incubate the clutch and feed the cuckoos. Birds build a nest from twigs and dry grass in bushes or thickets of cacti. There are 3 - 9 white eggs in a clutch. Cuckoo chicks are fed exclusively by reptiles.Death Valley
Death Valley got its name from settlers who crossed it in 1849, trying to reach the California gold mines by the shortest route. The guidebook briefly reports that “some stayed there forever.” The dead were ill-prepared for crossing the desert, did not stock up on water and lost their orientation. Before dying, one of them cursed this place, calling it Death Valley. The few survivors withered mule meat on the wreckage of dismantled carts and reached their goal. They left behind “cheerful” geographical names: Death Valley, Funeral Ridge, Last Chance Ridge, Coffin Canyon, Dead Man's Passage, Hell's Gate, Rattlesnake Gorge, etc.
Death Valley is surrounded on all sides by mountains. This is a seismically active region, the surface of which shifts along fault lines. Huge blocks earth's surface move in the process of underground earthquakes, the mountains become higher, and the valley goes lower and lower in relation to sea level. On the other hand, erosion is constantly occurring - the destruction of mountains as a result of the influence of natural forces. Small and large stones, minerals, sand, salts and clay washed away from the surface of the mountains fill the valley (now the level of these ancient layers is about 2,750 m). However, the intensity of geological processes far exceeds the force of erosion, so in the next millions of years the trend of “growth” of mountains and lowering of valleys will continue.
The Badwater Basin is the lowest part of Death Valley, located at 85.5 m below sea level. Sometime after Ice Age Death Valley was a huge lake of fresh water. The local hot and dry climate contributed to the inevitable evaporation of water. Annual short-term, but very intense rains wash tons of minerals from the surface of the mountains into the lowlands. The salts remaining after the evaporation of water settle at the bottom, reaching their highest concentration in the lowest place, in a reservoir with poor water. Here, rainwater lingers longer, forming small temporary lakes. Once upon a time, the first settlers were surprised that their dehydrated mules refused to drink water from these lakes, and marked “bad water” on the map. This is how this area got its name. In fact, the water in the pool (when it is available) is not poisonous, but it tastes very salty. It also has its own unique inhabitants that are not found in other places: algae, aquatic insects, larvae, and even a mollusk named after its place of residence, Badwater Snail.
In a vast area of the valley, located below the level of the World Ocean, and which was once the bottom of a prehistoric lake, one can observe the amazing behavior of salt deposits. This area is divided into two different zones that differ in the texture and shape of the salt crystals. In the first case, salt crystals grow upward, forming bizarre pointed piles and labyrinths 30-70 cm high. They form a foreground interesting in its chaos, well emphasized by the rays of the low sun in the morning and evening hours. Sharp as knives, growing crystals on a hot day emit an ominous, unique crackling sound. This part of the valley is quite difficult to navigate, but it is better not to spoil this beauty.
Nearby is the lowest area in the Valley Badwater Basin. Salt behaves differently here. A uniform salt grid 4-6 cm high is formed on an absolutely flat white surface. The grid consists of figures gravitating towards a hexagon in shape, and covers the bottom of the Valley with a huge web, creating an absolutely unearthly landscape.
In the southern part of Death Valley is a flat, level clay plain - the bottom of the dry lake Racetrack Playa - called Racetrack Playa. According to the very phenomenon found in this area - “self-propelled” stones.Sailing stones, also called sliding or crawling stones, are a geological phenomenon. The stones move slowly along the clayey bottom of the lake, as evidenced by the long tracks left behind them. The stones move independently without the help of living creatures, but no one has ever seen or recorded the movement on camera. Similar movements of stones have been noted in several other places, but in terms of the number and length of tracks, Racetrack Playa stands out from the rest.
In 1933, Death Valley was declared a national monument, and in 1994 it received the status National Park and the park's territory was expanded to include another 500 thousand hectares of land.
The park's territory includes the Salina Valley, most of the Panamint Valley, as well as areas of several mountain systems. In the west rises Mount Telescope Peak, in the east – Mount Dante’s View, from the height of which a beautiful view of the entire valley opens.
There are many picturesque places here, especially on the slopes adjacent to the desert plain: the extinct Ubehebe volcano, the Titus Canyon. 300 m and length 20 km; a small lake with very salty water, in which a small shrimp lives; in the desert there are 22 species of unique plants, 17 species of lizards and 20 species of snakes. The park has a unique landscape. This is an unusual wild beautiful nature, graceful rock formations, snow-capped mountain peaks, scorching salt plateaus, shallow canyons, hills covered with millions of delicate flowers.coati- a mammal from the genus Noshu of the raccoon family. This mammal received its name for its elongated and very funny movable snout-nose.
Their head is narrow, their hair is short, their ears are round and small. There is a white rim on the edge of the inside of the ears. Nosukha is the owner of a very long tail, which is almost always in a vertical position. The animal uses its tail to balance itself when moving. The characteristic color of the tail is alternating light yellow, brown and black rings.
The color of the nose is varied: from orange to dark brown. The muzzle is usually a uniform black or brown color. There are light spots on the face, below and above the eyes. The neck is yellowish, the paws are black or dark brown.
the catch is elongated, the paws are strong with five fingers and non-retractable claws. The nose digs the ground with its claws, obtaining food. The hind legs are longer than the front legs. The length of the body from the nose to the tip of the tail is 80-130 cm, the length of the tail itself is 32-69 cm. The height at the withers is about 20-29 cm. They weigh about 3-5 kg. Males are almost twice as large as females.
Nosukhi live on average 7-8 years, but in captivity they can live up to 14 years. They live in tropical and subtropical forests South America and southern USA. Their favorite place is dense bushes, low-lying forests, and rocky terrain. Due to human intervention, lately nosos prefer forest edges and clearings.
They say that nosuhs used to be called simply badgers, but since real badgers moved to Mexico, the true homeland of nosuhs, this species received its own individual name.
All noses, including coatis, are predators! Coatis get food for themselves with their noses, diligently sniffling and groaning, they inflate the foliage in this way and look for termites, ants, scorpions, beetles, and larvae under it. Sometimes it can also feed on land crabs, frogs, lizards, and rodents. During the hunt, the coati clamps its prey with its paws and bites its head. In difficult times of hunger, the Nosukhi allow themselves vegetarian cuisine; they eat ripe fruits, which, as a rule, are always in abundance in the forest. Moreover, they do not make reserves, but return to the tree from time to time.
Nosuhs live both in groups and alone. In groups there are 5-6 individuals, sometimes their number reaches 40. In groups there are only females and young males. Adult males live alone. The reason for this is their aggressive attitude towards children. They are expelled from the group and return only to mate.Males usually lead a solitary lifestyle and only during the mating season do they join family groups of females with young ones. During the mating season, which is usually from October to March, one male is accepted into the group of females and young ones. All mature females living in the group mate with this male, and soon after mating he leaves the group.
As soon as young males turn two years old, they leave the group and subsequently lead a solitary lifestyle, females remain in the group.
Nosukha gives birth to cubs once a year. Usually there are 2-6 cubs in a litter. Newborns weigh 100-180 grams and are completely dependent on the mother, who leaves the nest for a while to find food. The eyes open at approximately 11 days. The babies remain in the nest for several weeks, and then leave it with their mother and join the family group.
Lactation lasts up to four months. Young noses stay with their mother until she begins to prepare for the birth of the next offspring.
Bobcat is the most common wild cat on the North American continent. In general appearance, this is a typical lynx, but it is almost twice as small as an ordinary lynx and is not so long-legged and wide-legged. Its body length is 60-80 cm, height at the withers is 30-35 cm, weight is 6-11 kg. You can recognize a red lynx by its white
You can meet the red lynx in dense subtropical forests or in desert areas among prickly cacti, on high mountain slopes or in swampy lowlands. The presence of humans does not prevent it from appearing on the outskirts of villages or small towns. This predator chooses areas where it can feast on small rodents, nimble squirrels or timid rabbits and even prickly porcupines.
Although the bobcat is a good tree climber, it only climbs trees in search of food and shelter. It hunts at dusk; only young animals go hunting during the day.Vision and hearing are well developed. Hunts on the ground, sneaking up on prey. The lynx holds its prey with its sharp claws and kills it with a bite to the base of the skull. In one sitting, an adult animal eats up to 1.4 kg of meat. He hides the remaining surplus and returns to it the next day.For rest, the red lynx chooses a new place every day, without lingering in the old one. This could be a crack in the rocks, a cave, a hollow log, a space under a fallen tree, etc. On the ground or snow, the red lynx takes a step approximately 25 - 35 cm long; The size of an individual footprint is approximately 4.5 x 4.5 cm. When walking, they place their hind paws exactly in the tracks left by their front paws. Thanks to this, they never make very loud noise from the crackling of dry twigs under their feet. Soft pillows on their legs help them to calmly sneak up to the animal at close range. Bobcats are good tree climbers and can also swim across a small body of water, but they only do this on rare occasions.
The red lynx is a territorial animal. The lynx marks the boundaries of the site and its paths with urine and feces. In addition, she leaves marks of her claws on trees. The male learns that the female is ready to mate by the smell of her urine. A mother with cubs is very aggressive towards any animal or person that threatens her kittens.
IN wildlife males and females love solitude, meeting only during the breeding season. The only time when individuals of different sexes look for meetings is during the mating season, which occurs at the end of winter - the beginning of spring. The male mates with all the females that are in the same area with him. The female's pregnancy lasts only 52 days. Cubs are born in the spring, blind and helpless. At this time, the female tolerates the male only not far from the den. After about a week, the babies' eyes open slightly, but for another eight weeks they remain with their mother and are fed with her milk. The mother licks their fur and warms them with her body. The female red lynx is a very caring mother. In case of danger, she moves the kittens to another shelter.
A male bobcat often occupies an area of 100 km2, and border areas may be shared by several males. The female's area is half the size. Within the territory of one male, 2-3 females usually live. A male red lynx, whose territory is often home to three females and cubs, must provide food for 12 kittens.
Among the almost two and a half thousand species of higher plants found in the flora of the Sonoran Desert, the most widely represented are species from the family of Compositae, legumes, cereals, buckwheat, euphorbia, cactus and borage. A number of communities characteristic of the main habitats make up the vegetation of the Sonoran Desert.
The extensive, slightly sloping alluvial fans support vegetation, the main components of which are clumps of creosote bush and ragweed. They also include several types of prickly pear, quinoa, acacia, fuqueria, or ocotillo.
On the alluvial plains below the fans, the vegetation cover mainly consists of sparse forest of mesquite trees. Their roots, penetrating into the depths, reach groundwater, and roots located in the surface layer of soil, within a radius of up to twenty meters from the trunk, can intercept precipitation. A mature mesquite tree reaches a height of eighteen meters and can be more than a meter wide. In our time, only the pitiful remnants of the once majestic mesquite forests remain, long cut down for fuel. The mesquite forest is very similar to the black saxaul thickets in the Karakum Desert. The forest composition, in addition to mesquite, includes clematis and acacia.
Near the water, along the banks of rivers, near the water, there are poplars, with ash and Mexican elder mixed in with them. Plants such as acacia, creosote bush and celtis grow in the beds of arroyos, drying up temporary streams, as well as in the adjacent plains. In the Gran Desierto Desert, near the Gulf of California coast, ragweed and creosote bush dominate the sandy plains, while ephedra and tobosa, ragweed, grow on the sand dunes.
Trees here grow only on large dry riverbeds. The mountains are mainly inhabited by cacti and xerophilous shrubs, but the cover is very sparse. The saguaro is quite rare (and completely absent in California) and its distribution here is again limited to riverbeds. Annuals (mostly winter ones) make up almost half of the flora, and in the driest areas up to 90% species composition: They appear in huge numbers only in wet years.
In the Arizona Highlands, northwest of the Sonoran Desert, the vegetation is especially colorful and varied. The denser vegetation cover and diversity of vegetation is due to more precipitation here than in other areas of Sonora, as well as the ruggedness of the terrain, a combination of steep slopes of different exposures and hills. A peculiar cactus forest, in which the main place is occupied by the giant columnar saguaro cactus, with a low-growing encelia shrub located between the cacti, is formed on gravelly soils with a large amount of fine earth. Also among the vegetation are large barrel-shaped ferocactus, ocotillo, paloverde, several types of prickly pear, acacia, celtis, creosote bush, as well as mesquite tree, in the floodplains.
The trees and bushes of the Sonoran Desert that attract attention with their unique appearance include ivory tree, ironwood and idria, or buium, growing only in two areas of the Sonoran Desert, located in Mexico, which is part of the region of Latin America.
The Vizcaino region is located in the central third of the California Peninsula. There is little precipitation, but the air is cool, as humid sea breezes often bring fogs, weakening the aridity of the climate. Rain falls mainly in winter and averages less than 125 mm. Here in the flora there are some very unusual plants, characterized by bizarre landscapes: fields of white granite boulders, cliffs of black lava, etc. Interesting plants– bujams, ivory tree, 30 m high cordon, throttle ficus growing on the rocks and blue palm. In contrast to the main Vizcaino Desert, the Vizcaino Coastal Plain is a flat, cool, foggy desert with 0.3 m tall shrubs and fields of annuals.
District Magdalena is located south of Vizcaino on the California Peninsula and is similar in appearance to Vizcaino, but the flora is slightly different. Most of the meager rainfall occurs in the summer, when the Pacific breeze blows from the sea. The only noticeable plant on the pale Magdalena Plain is the creeping devil's cactus (Stenocereus eruca), but away from the coast on the rocky slopes the vegetation is quite dense and consists of trees, shrubs and cacti.
Riverine communities are usually isolated ribbons or islands of deciduous forest along temporary streams. There are very few permanent or dry watercourses (the largest is the Colorado River), but there are many where water appears only a couple of days or even a few hours a year. Dry beds, or "washes", of arroyos - "arroyos" - are places where many trees and shrubs are concentrated. Xerophilic open forests along dry riverbeds are highly variable. Along some ephemeral streams, almost pure mesquite forest occurs, others may be dominated by blue paloverde or ironwood, or develop a mixed forest. Characteristic is the so-called "desert willow", which is actually a catalpa.
An animal that lives only on the American continent and belongs to the “Feline” family.
There are four main species of these wonderful and secretive animals, but they are divided into one more group; small species and large ones. There are more than 28 small species of wild cats around the world and our heroine is one of them.
This is one of the largest cats among all the inhabitants of North America, but even it is very difficult for the average person to meet. The reasons may be completely different, but they are all completely logical; a little later we will look at this section in more detail.
Appearance
The body length of the lynx compared to its closest relative is very modest, only 55 - 85 cm; as for the mass of a wild animal, it can reach from 6 to 16 kg. Specimens weighing more than 15 kg are extremely rare; the average statistical weight of the animal generally prevails - up to 10 kg.
Its fur is reddish-brown with a grayish tint and is richly saturated with characteristic spots; they help the animal to camouflage perfectly and blend in. environment. Unlike other related species, there is a white mark on the tail, no more than 15 cm long.
There are small blackish panicles on the ears, which gives it away as a lynx, since it can be mistaken for which it spends most of its life in the harsh sandy sands and plains of the African continent.
The height of the animal at the withers can be no more than 35 cm, the limbs are very well developed, which allows it to jump from 4 to 7 meters in length and overtake its prey in the shortest possible period of time.
Habitat
Perhaps this species of animal is one of the few whose habitat is concentrated only on the American continent. To be specific, let us give you the exact habitats of this rare and gradually disappearing species of wild animals:
- North America;
- Southern Canada;
- Including Southern Mexico;
It is still the most common wild cat that lives in the above territories, but even it is currently threatened by total extermination by humans.
At the end of the article we will dwell on this in detail. key point, which has a detrimental effect on the overall population of these magnificent creatures.
Habitat
The red lynx, as this wild predator is sometimes called, prefers to inhabit subtropical forests, places with cultural landscapes, wetlands, coniferous and deciduous forests, it can even be found in the vicinity of large urban settlements.
Lifestyle
First of all, it should be noted that the lynx is a nocturnal animal and leads a solitary lifestyle. It moves out for food as dusk sets in, but in northern latitudes it is able to go hunting in the daytime, this is due to the extremely modest amount of food.
During the daytime, she hides in tree hollows and rock crevices. This wild specimen climbs trees perfectly and swims excellently., however, he uses all his skills extremely rarely; he uses his first advantage only to catch a bird or a snake, and the second only on hot summer days, to cool his body and protect him from overheating.
It is a territorial animal, marking its boundaries with urine and feces, and sometimes purposefully scratches tree trunks with its sharp claws. A male red lynx covers an area of 100 square kilometers.
Border areas may be shared by several males. The territory occupied by the female is two times smaller. Up to 3 adult females can live in the male’s territory. By the smell of urine, the male is able to understand that the females in his territory are ready to mate.
Reproduction
The breeding season occurs at the beginning of spring warm days. The head of the locality mates with all the females living in the territory entrusted to him.
The female's pregnancy lasts about 53 days. Then, in a pre-prepared den covered with leaves and moss, she brings a litter of one to six kittens. Babies are born blind and helpless, after 7-9 days their eyes come off, after which they feed on nutritious and fatty mother’s milk for another 8-9 weeks.
The mother carefully licks and warms her offspring; she is very careful and sensitive to the upbringing of her cubs. During a dangerous situation that threatens their lives, a caring mother quickly drags her cubs to another safe place.
All this time the male is obliged to bring food to all females who share his territory with him. This is one of the unique interesting moments, which can be observed among these families.
The female does not allow the male close to the den until the kittens finally get stronger and begin to eat solid food. After time, the male brings food directly to the hole and gives it not only to the female, but also to the small kittens.
The head of the family simultaneously participates in upbringing younger generation from all three females, which causes deep strangulation, since such behavior is not entirely traditional among these predatory animals. When the babies grow up, the whole family begins to wander around the outskirts of the females’ territories, stopping for a short period of time to rest a little.
5 - 6 months after the birth of the kittens, the time comes for the female to begin teaching her offspring the art of hunting and killing her victims. During this period, kittens are very active and quickly learn from real examples that their mothers skillfully demonstrate.
It must also be said that kids play a lot among themselves, which contributes to their physical development. They will be under the care of their caring parents for another 10 months. Young females are ready to mate after 12 months, and males by two years.
Nutrition
The red lynx is an excellent and merciless predator; it can ambush and attack its prey from behind at the most unexpected moment. Then he throws her to the ground and, clinging to her neck with powerful jaws and sharp claws, strangles her. Then it gnaws through the carotid artery and breaks the neck of its prey.
The most favorite food for cats is the American hare (rabbit), but their diet is very varied. Let's list a few animals that are included in this animal's daily diet:
- White-tailed deer;
- Sheep;
- Goats;
- Porcupines;
- Gophers;
- Turkeys;
They do not hesitate to feast on domestic animals; they can easily kill a domestic dog, cat, chicken or duck.
At the beginning of the article, we promised to tell you why this type of cat can very rarely be found in such a vast territory..
One of the reasons is that this animal is exclusively nocturnal, the second reason, and in our opinion the main one, is this is that local residents exterminate them for trophies and sporting interest.
Lifespan
In the wild, this animal can live for about 18 years, but in captivity it can survive for more than 30 years.
Red Book
Currently, this taxon is in danger of complete extinction, especially the Mexican one, which has suffered at the hands of poachers. subspecies F. rufus escuinapae, of course, it is listed in the Red Book Latin American country and is strictly protected by the relevant environmental services.
Order - Carnivores / Suborder - Felidae / Family - Felidae / Subfamily - Small cats
History of the study
The bobcat, or red lynx (lat. Lynx rufus) is a species of lynx native to North America.
Spreading
The bobcat is found from extreme southern Canada to central Mexico and from the east to west coasts of the United States.
Appearance
Outwardly, it is a typical lynx, but smaller, half the size of a regular lynx, not so long-legged and wide-legged, since it does not need to walk in deep snow, but with a shorter tail. Its body length is 60-80 cm, height at the withers is 30-35 cm, weight is 6-11 kg.
The general color tone is reddish-brown with a gray tint. Unlike true lynxes, the bobcat has a white marking on the inside of the tip of its tail, while lynxes have a completely black mark. Southern subspecies have more black markings than northern ones. There are individuals completely black (melanists) and white (albinos), the former only in Florida.
Reproduction
Breeds from February to June; kittens appear after 50 days of pregnancy. There are 1-6 kittens in a litter. Females become sexually mature at 12 months, males at 24 months.
Lifestyle
The bobcat's habitat is varied, ranging from swamps to rocky snowy areas, desert plains and canyons. Avoids areas that are too wet or dry.
Leads the earthly twilight image life. It goes hunting in the evening and early in the morning. In winter it is also found during daylight hours. The red lynx has favorite resting places and trails that it constantly uses. It climbs trees well, but climbs them only in search of food and shelter. Able to jump over high obstacles. Vision and hearing are well developed. Hunts on the ground, sneaking up on prey. The lynx holds its prey with its sharp claws and kills it with a bite to the base of the skull. In one sitting, an adult animal eats up to 1.4 kg of meat. He hides the remaining surplus and returns to it the next day. When walking, the red lynx places its hind paws exactly in the tracks left by its front paws. Soft pads on the legs help to quietly sneak up to prey at close range.
Outside the breeding season, the red lynx leads a solitary lifestyle. It marks the boundaries of its hunting area with urine, feces and secretions from the skin glands. It leaves scratches on tree trunks with its claws. The area of the site depends on the amount of food available.
Nutrition
The lynx's diet is based on small rodents (voles, squirrels, mice, rats, gophers, porcupines), lagomorphs (hares, rabbits) and birds. Additionally catches snakes, bats and insects. In times of hunger, it can also attack young ungulates, eat carrion and steal carcasses from hunting traps. Occasionally eats plant foods (fruits).
Number
Currently, the population numbers 725,000 - 1,000,000 mature individuals. The approximate area of the range is more than 2,500,000 km2. The species is listed in the CITES Convention (Appendix II).
Bobcat and man
The red lynx causes damage by preying on domestic animals (sheep and birds). Because of this, local farmers kill them. Fur is in demand and has commercial value.
