. Natural history. Zoology. 5b MAMMALIA—ORDER IV. — portion of the year. Whether the Canadian lynx {¥. camMdsnsis) is distinct from the common lynx {F. lynx) of Europe and Northern Asia is a moot point ; but the Spanish lynx (F. pardina) is a well-marked form. The slender-bodied and long-limbed cat, known as the hunting-leopard {Cyncelurus ), is referred to a genus apart from the otlier members of the family on account of the claws be- ing only partially retractile, although their extremities are protected by sheaths ; while a further point of dis- tinction is to be found
. Natural history. Zoology. 5b MAMMALIA—ORDER IV. — portion of the year. Whether the Canadian lynx {¥. camMdsnsis) is distinct from the common lynx {F. lynx) of Europe and Northern Asia is a moot point ; but the Spanish lynx (F. pardina) is a well-marked form. The slender-bodied and long-limbed cat, known as the hunting-leopard {Cyncelurus ), is referred to a genus apart from the otlier members of the family on account of the claws be- ing only partially retractile, although their extremities are protected by sheaths ; while a further point of dis- tinction is to be found in the rudi- mental condition of the tubercle on the inner side of the upper carnassial tooth. The hunting-leopard, which is found both in India and Africa, has the fur marked with solid black spots. In habits it differs somewhat from the true cats—two individuals hunting Fig. 32.—Spanish Lynx (Felis pardina). together, and making a, simultaneous sudden rush when their prey comes within striking distance. These animals are kept for hunting in India. The nearest allies of the cats are the great tribe of civets, palm-civets, mungooses, etc., all of which differ from the FeliJcE in that the auditory bulla of the skull is marked by a transverse external con- Civet Tribe.— striction, indicating the position of the internal bony Family septum, while the middle pair of lower teeth are raised Viverridce. above the level of the other two, as in all other land Carniv- ora. From the living Felidce the Viverridce are further dis- tinguished by the more numerous series of teeth, the number of premolars varying from three to four on each side of the jaws ; while there are generally two pairs of molars in each jaw, although occasionally these may be reduced to a single pair in the upper, and very rarely also in the lower jaw. The toes, which may be either digitigrade or plantigrade, are generally five in number on each foot, although they may be reduced to four in either the front
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