Nefisian Lynx

The Nefisian lynx is a large cat native to the mountains in the northern part of the continent Nefis. They are the largest of the five species of lynx found throughout the world. Their secluded nature allows them to share the mountains with the people of Kambrin without much incident. They are often referred to by the locals as the "ghosts of the mountain" because of their ability to blend in with the snow and rock of the mountains. In deep winter, when blizzards are common, often the only thing visible on the cats are their eyes.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Nefisian lynx is a quadruped with their front legs being shorter than their hind legs. They have extra large paws that keep them from sinking into the snow. Each paw has four toes that all have two inch long retractable claws sharp enough to dig into stone. The pads on their paws are very thick and covered with fur to aid in warmth and friction to keep them steady. They have a long tail equal in length to their body covered in fur thicker than that on its body that the lynx wraps around itself to keep warm in deep winter.

The Nefisian lynx has a very powerful muscular structure with the muscles in their shoulders and hind legs being the strongest, allowing them to climb up steep cliffs and big rocks as well as jump a distance of 45 feet.

Biological Traits

Cubs are born with full black spots that fade to a grey and become rosette patterns as they mature to adulthood.

Genetics and Reproduction

Nefisian Lynx mate in late winter, marked by a noticeable increase in marking and calling. They have a gestation period of 90–100 days, so the cubs are born in late spring. Litter sizes vary from one to five cubs, but the average is 2.2. The cubs are blind and helpless at birth, although already with a thick coat of fur. Their eyes open at around seven days, and the cubs can walk at five weeks and are fully weaned by 10 weeks. The cubs leave the den when they are around two to four months of age but remain with their mother until they become independent after around 18–22 months. Once independent, they may disperse over considerable distances, even crossing wide expanses of flat terrain to seek out new hunting grounds. Nefisian Lynx becomes sexually mature at two to three years.

Growth Rate & Stages

• Until they are seven days old, cubs are blind and entirely dependent upon their mothers.
• At 2 months old, cubs are ready to eat solid food.
• At 3 months old, they begin following their mother and start to learn important behavior like hunting.
• Between 18 and 22 months old, cubs become independent of their mothers.
• Females are ready to have their own cubs by age 2 or 3.
• Males are sexually mature by age 4

Ecology and Habitats

The Nefisian lynx prefers rocky, broken terrain, and can travel without difficulty in snow up to three feet deep. In fact, they tend to move higher up in the mountains during the summer months to keep cool. They are solitary creatures, except during mating season and when females are raising cubs, and each lives within a well-defined home range but do not defend its territory aggressively when encroached upon by another lynx. A home range may be as small as 5 sq miles and as large as 15 sq miles with up to five to 10 of these cats living within. They mark their home territory and common travel routes using scent marking, which they also use on their rocky shelters.
They are most active at dawn and dusk though few people have reported seeing one as they are secretive creatures.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Nefisian lynx are carnivores and actively hunt prey though they are also opportunistic hunters and will eat carrion. They prefer to eat prey slightly smaller than themselves though have been known to hunt creatures twice as big, such as horses, and very small creatures such as voles.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The people of Kambrin view the Nefisian lynx with great respect so, the hunting of them is extremely limited. But, when they are hunted every part of their body is used. Their fur is used to line cloaks and blankets. Their claws and teeth used to be used as tools but currently are used in jewelry and for decoration. Their bones and some organs are used in potions, salves, and containers. Their bone marrow, meat, and the rest of their organs are used as food.

Facial characteristics

They have a domed head and short muzzle but deep nasal cavities and a large chest that helps them breathe at high altitude. Their eyes come in three colors: green, grey, and blue. Their mouth is full of the sharp pointed teeth of a predator. Their long, thin, almost knife-like, canines are especially sharp and hang an inch down over their lower lip.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Nefisian Lynx is found primarily in the mountains surrounding Kambrin the northern part of Beskerm.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Nefisian lynx has an incredibly powerful eyesight that allows them to spot mice up to 250 feet away. Their sense of smell and hearing are also powerful, allowing them to pick up the scent of a creature almost twice as far as they can see.

Scientific Name

Panthera Umbrae

Lifespan

25 years

Average Height

56 cm (at the shoulder for females)
62 cm (at the shoulder for males)

Average Weight

55 kg (females)
70 kg (males)

Average Length

1 m (females)
1.3 m (males)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

They are covered in thick whitish to grey colored fur with black spots that let them blend in with the snowy mountainous terrain they call home. They have small round ears that can be flattened against the head to preserve body heat and have black hair tufts on the tips. From their lower cheeks sprouts fur that grows long enough to look similar to a ruffle or bowtie. During warmer seasons, the Nefisian sheds its coat for a shorter one that is more yellow in color than white.