The Eurasian lynx is a medium-sized cat with tufted ears and big furry paws. It's easy to keep, doesn't need a huge habitat, and looks great in a rocky temperate or northern area. It's also one of the easy breeders that helps you build up a Scottish Highlands wildlife reserve.
The barrier
- At least 1.8 m. I'd go to about 3 m to be safe.
- Lynx climb, so keep climbing structures away from the edge.
Ground and plants
Lynx have a slightly unusual terrain preference:
- Mostly rock paint. Mossy rock looks fantastic in a lynx habitat.
- Wild grass.
- Very little soil. They don't like it.
- Coniferous trees for that northern forest feel.
Shelter and climbing
- A small shelter coop is enough.
- Climbing structures so they can get up high.
One thing to watch: lynx sometimes get boxed (stuck in a crate) when they fall off steep structures. Keep climbing frames over flat ground rather than steep slopes.
Temperature
Lynx prefer cool weather. On a warm map, add a habitat cooler. They're comfortable in cold, snowy maps without any help.
Enrichment
- Blood-scented pumpkin
- Ball and other toys
- Food-based enrichment from the welfare tab
Lynx and the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands reserve is one of the easiest reserves to fill, with 11 species, and lynx are one of them. Other easy breeders for that reserve include wild boar, owls, small fish, hares and beavers. If you're new to wildlife reserves, a Highlands reserve with lynx is a great place to start.
Tips
- Lynx are a good small predator for a European or northern section when you don't have space for wolves or bears.
- In Franchise mode lynx unlock at accreditation tier 3.