446 



THE CARNIVORES 



ence with regard to the coloration of the ear ; and the hind toes lack the white color 

 which they possess in the bay lynx. 



THE PARDINE LYNX (Felts pardina] 



The pardine or Southern European lynx is, perhaps, the handsomest represen- 

 tative of the entire group, its fur being distinctly spotted at all seasons of the year. 

 The color of the body is rufous above, and white beneath ; the rounded black spots 

 occurring on the body, tail and limbs. From the examination of the skin alone, 

 Professor Mivart says that he was disposed to regard this animal merely as a south- 

 ern spotted variety of the common lynx, analogous to the spotted and banded 



THE PARDINE I.YNX. 



(One-eighth natural size.) 



southern varieties of the American bay lynx. An examination of the skull showed, 

 however, such differences from that of the northern lynx as to lead to the conclusion 

 that the pardine lynx was in all probability a distinct species. 



This lynx is found in Europe in Spain, Sicily, Sardinia, Greece, and Turkey. 

 Its habits are probably very similar to those of the northern species. 



Fossil remains of the pardine lynx have been found in the caves of Gibraltar in 

 company with those of the serval ; and it thus becomes a curious subject for consid- 

 eration why the former is now restricted to Europe, and the latter to Africa. Re- 

 mains referred to the common lynx have been discovered in the caves of England 

 and the Continent. 



