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Why is the distribution of the Canada lynx closely tied to snowshoe hare populations?

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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 distribution of the Canada lynx is intrinsically linked to the snowshoe hare because the hare serves as the lynx's primary food source, comprising 35 to 100 percent of its diet.12

This dependency is so significant that the lynx is absent from regions where hare density falls below 0.5 individuals per hectare. The relationship is characterized by the following factors:2

Nutritional Requirements: A lynx requires approximately 0.4 to 0.5 snowshoe hares daily to meet its energy needs.2
Reproductive Success: Lynx reproduction is tied to prey availability; when hare populations are low, female lynx may fail to breed or experience spontaneous miscarriages.2
Population Cycles: Both species exhibit oscillating population cycles spanning roughly 10 years. Lynx density typically increases with a one-to-two-year lag following an increase in hare density, and lynx populations crash once the hare population declines.2

Because of this reliance, the Canada lynx will travel vast distances—sometimes over 1,200 km—in search of areas where snowshoe hare are abundant.2