Endangered Caucasian lynx caught on video during daylight in Türkiye

By Cuneyt Celik and Huseyin Demirci

KARS, Türkiye (AA) - The Caucasian lynx, also known as the Caucasus lynx or the eastern lynx, was recently spotted hunting during the day in the snow-covered terrain of Kars in northeastern Türkiye.

The species is also known as the "ghost of the forest" for its nocturnal hunting habits.

The area's scots pine forests provide a natural habitat for various wild species, including brown bears, wolves, and lynxes, making it a crucial wildlife sanctuary in northeastern Anatolia.

Captured on video by Anadolu in the Sarikamis district of Kars, the lynx's daytime hunting behavior astonished experts, marking a significant observation in wildlife monitoring efforts.

Emrah Coban, science coordinator at KuzeyDoga, a nature conservation group, voiced excitement at the footage, highlighting its significance in understanding lynx behavior during daylight hours.

"Since they’re active at night, we don't know much about what they do during the day," he told Anadolu.

Coban praised the Anadolu footage, saying it provides valuable insights into lynx hunting tactics, particularly their keen sense of hearing and focus on prey beneath the snow.

"We thank the team for always keeping their eyes open and capturing these amazing images," he added.

The video captures the elusive Caucasian lynx in action, offering unprecedented clarity on its hunting techniques, a breakthrough in wildlife observation.

KuzeyDoga is a non-governmental organization working to stop the extinction of species and prevent the collapse of natural cycles in northeastern Türkiye.

As part of the Eastern Anatolia Wildlife Research and Protection project led by the KuzeyDoga Association, lynxes are also tracked using satellite transmitters.

*Writing by Muhammed Yasin Gungor in Istanbul