The balkan lynx is an endangered species. It lives in the mountains of southern Europe, in countries such as Macedonia, Greece and Albania. Its habitat has been reduced by human activity but it is still protected by law and its numbers are slowly recovering. The Balkan lynx is a solitary cat that prefers to hunt alone or with other males. They generally live at very high altitudes where conditions are cool and wet – between 1,000m (3,300ft) and 3,000m (9,800ft). These cats are well adapted to life in cold climates: they have thick fur with white underbellies and large paws which allow them to walk on snowy terrain. The Balkan lynx's eyes can swivel independently so it does not need to turn its head when looking around. The tail is always held upright and in front of the body; this helps keep the animal warm while hunting at low temperatures. When it becomes too dark for HuNtInG, the Balkan lynx retreats to a cave or hollow tree trunk to sleep through the night. This species are diurnal, meaning it is active during daylight hours.
