Lynx (Felis lynx) belongs to Carnivora Order and Felidae Family. It is native to Tibet, India, Pakistan, Northern Europe and Asia regions. In Nepal it is reported in Annapurna Conservation Area, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and Shey Phoksundo National Park. The lifespan of lynx is 7 years. Its body looks like big cat with tufts of hair on its ears. The colour of the body is brown to yellowish with black spot. Its height is 0.6 m, length 0.85 m to 1.10 m, tail 0.23 m long and weight is about 15 to 29 kg. The gestation period of lynx is 67 to 74 days. It is listed as a lower risk/least concern species in the IUCN Red List category and Appendix II of CITES. National red list of mammals categorizes it as a vulnerable species. The legal status of this species in Nepal is Protected (Appendix I) under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973. It is protected because of its heavy habitat loss. It is traded in national and international markets due to skin and bone.
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