Research overview: Eurasian lynx predation on roe deer

Across much of its range the Eurasian lynx is a specialist predator of small ungulates, and this overview synthesizes studies showing roe deer as the principal prey in Europe, supplemented by chamois, young red deer, hares, and other mammals. The lynx hunts by stalking and ambush in forest, killing prey often larger than itself and caching carcasses to feed over several days. This predation shapes ungulate populations and behavior and can intersect with human interests in game management. Quantifying lynx diet and kill rates is important for understanding the species ecological role, for parameterizing population models, and for addressing conflicts with hunters who sometimes view the lynx as a competitor for valued game species.