Black Canada Lynx caught on camera for the first time
The Canada Lynx, or Lynx canadensis, is a species native to North America, spanning regions in Canada and parts of the United States.
While typically adorned with a light brownish-gray fur coat, there have been documented instances of black-furred individuals among the Canada Lynx population.
Black-colored type had never been photographed, but in 2022, a fortunate individual managed to capture some images that swiftly became viral.
The University of Alberta researcher successfully captured the animal, while Thomas Jung, a Government of Yukon employee, recorded a video of it on his cell phone.
The discovery made its way into an article titled “Paint it black: first record of melanism in Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis),” published in the journal Mammalia.
The footage originated from a rural residential neighborhood in close proximity to Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon. In the video, the lynx can be observed lounging approximately 50 meters away. Nearby, there were people and a dog present, causing the lynx to eventually flee upon the dog’s barking.
Known for its solitary and elusive nature, the Canada Lynx’s behavior was evident in the footage. Despite experts confirming its identity, the shaky video made it challenging to discern many distinguishing features of the lynx.
Jung reports that the lynx featured in the movie exhibits a rare coat coloration, characterized by a diverse range of hues. Unlike the typical black coat containing whitish gray guard hairs found in many lynx species, this particular individual showcases a variety of colors across its coat, including reddish brown, silvery gray, and black.
While most lynx species tend to display similar coloring, the Canada lynx, in particular, is often observed with silvery gray coats during winter, which contrasts with the reddish-brown hues more prevalent in summer.
According to Jung, such variations in coat coloration among lynx populations can serve as adaptations that may either aid (adaptive) or hinder (maladaptive) evolutionary processes.
Although scientists have yet to determine whether melanism in animals provides advantages or disadvantages, Jung suggests that the lynx’s melanistic feature could be maladaptive due to its potential impact on camouflage. In winter, the darker hair of the lynx might make it more conspicuous against the snowy backdrop, possibly compromising its hunting abilities.
