Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Bobcat; lynx
As one biologist put it, taxonomists can be roughly divided into “lumpers” and “splitters.” In this
instance, the lumpers believe that the North American lynx and the Eurasian lynx are a single, cir-
cumpolar species,
Lynx lynx.
The splitters, on the other hand, prefer to call our North American lynx
Lynx canadensis
and the Eurasian brand
Lynx lynx.
In either case, the bobcat remains
Lynx rufus,
and
the only other member of the lynx genus, the Spanish or Iberian lynx, continues as an apparently non-
controversial
Lynx pardinus.
While this debate over names is of absorbing interest to many humans, it
seems doubtful that the affected members of the cat family are much concerned about it!
While we ponder the scientific names of these two wild cats, a brief digression seems warranted re-
garding the scientific name of the house cat—that household pet so familiar to us all. Ever since I can
remember, the house cat bore the appellation
Felis domestica—
the domestic cat—but many scientists
felt that this name was rather ill-suited to the house cat's notably independent nature.
As one authority expressed it, “The house cat isn't domestic—it's
commensal.”
The term comes
from the Latin
mensa,
table, and in this instance means that although house cats deign to share our food,
they steadfastly refuse to be owned or told what to do. In short, they aren't truly domesticated. It's cer-
tainly no accident that the saying “it's like trying to herd cats” has become a metaphor for a virtually
impossible task. In somewhat belated recognition of this rather autocratic bent, taxonomists have now
awarded the house cat the truly wonderful title of
Felis cattus.
What could be more fitting?
Members of the genus
Lynx,
however, are most certainly neither domestic nor commensal. Thor-
oughly wild, these elusive cats are seldom seen or heard. Nevertheless, the lynx and bobcat are import-
ant components of our North American wildlife, worthy of deep appreciation for their unique qualities.
The widespread impression that the lynx is larger and fiercer than the bobcat (also known as the bay
lynx) is erroneous. The lynx certainly
appears
much the larger of the two; its extremely long legs, huge
feet, very thick coat, large jowl tufts, and long ear tufts all lend it an aura of size. When stripped down,
