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LYNX (Lynx canadensis)
Natural Habitat- //Prefers forest with thick growth of bushes. Also follows the snowshoe hare.// Biotic factors- bushes, trees, grass, and swamps. Abiotic factors- are rain, temperature, soil type, rocks. Niche- __size:__ weigh 18-24 pounds and an adult i usually 32-42 inches. __Diet-__ snowshoe hare, birds, meadow vole and sometimes deer and caribou. __Housing requirements__- needs to be around boulders because it likes to sleep in cave like areas. __Climate requirements__- lives in New Hampshire so the Lynx can make it through winters and all the seasons that we encounter. __Predator or prey:__The Lynx is more of a predator than prey. __food chain__:the Lynx is closer to the top of food chain also. __How old are they before they reproduce?__ females reach sexual maturity at ten monthsbut often wait another year and males reach it at 2-3 years of age. __How many offspring and how often do they reproduce?__ Litters contain from 1 to 8 cubs and females often do not mate at all when prey is scarce.__when is the animal active?__ the breeding season is only one month (march to may).__Fun breeding facts:__The female attracts a mate by leaving some of her urine where the male has marked his territory, and by repeated calling. Mating can occur six times in one hour. The female lynx will only mate with one male each season, but the male may mate with multiple females.__Living habits:__ mostly nocturnal animal, although it may be active at any time of day. Although normally solitary, at times small groups may be observed traveling together. __Why is this animal endangered/threatened?__ The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service originally listed the Canada lynx as threatened primarily because of habitat loss and overtrapping.The lynx and its main prey, the snowshoe hare, are adapted to deep snow cover. Warm winter periods can affect snow texture, depth, and extent of snow cover. Climate change may also reduce the extent and composition of their primary habitat Deep snow typically excludes the lynx’s main competitors – coyotes and bobcats – and its predator, the mountain lion, from its winter habitat. Less snow cover could mean more competition and predation from other carnivores. __Definition of endangered/threatened:__ An endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming [|extinct] because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation. __What is the current population size?__ Because the lynx is such a rare animal and there are no reliable population estimates for any region. __what conservation efforts are underway?__ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated nearly **25 million acres** in Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington as critical habitat for the reclusive feline. this all working but not all of them are out of danger because we also need to protect their prey to allow them to survive. and we have to work on ways to not let climate effect this species.
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__What organizations exist to promote the preservation of this species?__ The big cat rescue is an organization working towards the well being of the lynx as well as many other wild cats.

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