First Black Canada Lynx Caught on Camera
In a remarkable discovery, scientists documented the first-ever recorded sighting of a black Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) in 2022. The rare melanistic variant of this North American wild cat species was captured on video near Whitehorse, Yukon, by local resident J. Stuckey.
Thomas Jung, a researcher with the Government of Yukon, analyzed the footage and published his findings in the journal Mammalia. The video shows the unique specimen at a distance of about 50 meters in a rural residential area. Though the footage was somewhat grainy, experts confirmed the animal’s identity as a Canada lynx, noting its distinctive black coat interspersed with whitish-gray guard hairs, particularly visible in the facial ruff and along its back.
This sighting is particularly significant because while Canada lynx typically sport light brownish-grey fur that shifts between silvery gray in winter and reddish-brown in summer, melanistic individuals had never before been documented with photographic evidence.
The discovery raises interesting questions about the evolutionary implications of melanism in this species. Jung suggests that the black coloration might actually be disadvantageous for the lynx, particularly during winter hunting. The dark fur would likely make the normally well-camouflaged predator stand out against snowy backgrounds, potentially reducing its hunting success.
The lynx displayed typical behavior for its species during the encounter, maintaining its characteristic secretive nature. When a nearby dog began barking, the animal quietly retreated from the area, offering researchers a glimpse into how these rare melanistic individuals interact with their environment.
This documentation provides valuable insights into genetic diversity within the species and opens new avenues for research into color variations in North American wild cats.
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