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Where does the Eurasian lynx live?

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Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) — 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.

The Eurasian lynx has a vast distribution, primarily forming a wide, contiguous strip that extends from Scandinavia across to Kamchatka in Russia’s Far East.1

While the species is locally extinct in much of western Europe, isolated populations persist in central Europe, the Balkans, the Caspian Sea region, Central Asia, and the Plateau of Tibet. These cats are highly adaptable, living at elevations ranging from sea level to 5,500 meters.1

Their habitat preferences vary by region:
* Forested areas: Typically preferred for their hunting cover and availability of hoofed mammalian prey, such as deer.1
* Open landscapes: In Central Asia, they are frequently found in grasslands (steppes), semideserts, and sparsely wooded areas.1

Although the species is considered of least concern globally, some isolated populations, such as the Balkan lynx, remain critically endangered due to habitat loss and other human-related pressures.2