Rare Eurasian lynx photographed for first time in Sikkim

High up in the mountains of Sikkim, in India, scientists captured a photograph of a very rare wild cat called the Eurasian lynx.

They used camera traps, which are cameras that automatically take pictures when animals walk past.

The photo was taken in January 2026 on a rocky, bare slope 5,250 metres above sea level.

It is the first time a lynx has ever been photographed in Sikkim.

This is exciting because it shows that these cold, high mountain lands are full of life and important for wildlife.

The same area has other special animals, including snow leopards, Pallas's cats, Tibetan wolves and blue sheep.

The lynx might live there, or it might just be passing through from Tibet.

Scientists say one photo is not enough to know for sure, so more study is needed.

They also worry about problems like stray dogs, traffic and waste that can hurt these wild places and the rare animals that live there.