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How does a decline in snowshoe hares affect Canada lynx reproduction?
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lynx
Also known as the Spanish lynx or the Pardel lynx, the species bears a strong resemblance to the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), but it may be distinguished by its smaller size; short, dark-tipped tail; and the presence of long, white, beardlike fur under its chin.
Reproduction in the Canada lynx is intrinsically linked to the availability of its primary prey, the snowshoe hare. Because snowshoe hares comprise between 35 and 100 percent of the lynx's diet, their population levels directly dictate the reproductive success of the cats.12
When snowshoe hare numbers are low, Canada lynx experience significant reproductive challenges. In such conditions, female lynx may fail to breed entirely, or they may suffer from spontaneous miscarriages. This biological response ensures that the lynx population remains in sync with the cyclical availability of its food source, which typically oscillates in roughly 10-year cycles.2