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What are the six proposed subspecies of Eurasian lynx?
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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.
Based on genetic differences, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Cat Specialist Group has proposed six subspecies of the Eurasian lynx:
- Northern lynx (L. l. lynx): Found in northern Europe and western Siberia.
- Carpathian lynx (L. l. carpathicus): Located in the Carpathian Mountains, as well as eastern and central Europe.
- Balkan lynx (L. l. balcanicus): Native to the Balkans.
- Caucasus lynx (L. l. dinniki): Inhabits the Caucasus Mountains, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran.
- Turkestan lynx (L. l. isabellinus): Found in Central Asia and the Himalayas.
- Siberian lynx (L. l. wrangeli): Ranges across Siberia, from east of the Yenisey River in central Russia to China.1