IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Zimmermann, F. | |
| Dispersion et survie des lynx (Lynx lynx) subadultes d'une population r‚introduite dans a chaŚne du Jura | |
| 1998 Full Book | |
From 1988 to 1997 a study of the dispersal and survival of subadult lynx using radiotelemetry was undertaken in a re-introduced population in the Swiss Jura Moutains. Emphasis was put on analysing the habitat and the spatio-temporal behavior of the subadults. We hypothesized that the subadult lynx are in competition for the best habitat with the residents. In an established and saturated population, the subadult lynx are forced into suboptimal habitat because the resident animals occupy the best habitat. We developed a model allowing us to predict whether a habitat type is favorable for the lynx or not, using a geographic information system (GIS). This model has been used to classify the locations of the residents and the subadults. We made the following predictions: during the different stages of the dispersal, the subadults stay significantly less than the residents within the range defined as optimal on the basis of the locations of the residents. Each subadult that has survived the first year of independence established a temporary of definitive home range in an optimal habitat. The two individuals that have stayed in a suboptimal habitat did not survive the first year of independence. One individual that stayed in an optimal habitat has been poached. No ungulates have been found in the diet of the subadults that died of natural causes and stayed in suboptimal habitat. It must be stressed that so far, no subadult has survived the first year of independence by moving constantly through the home ranges of the residents. This observation and the fact that subadult lynx tried to establish immediately a home range shows how important it is for a lynx to stay in a place it knows well and can use it exclusively. An early study by Breitenmoser and Baettig (1992) as well as anecdotal field observations based upon residents and subadults additionally confirmed the predictions derived from the model. This model can be used with confidence to develop a management plan, and offers interesting future prospects for the simulation of the dynamic of the lynx population in space and time. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |