IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Boutros, D. | |
| Characterisation and assessment of suitability of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) den sites | |
| 2002 Full Book | |
I retrospectively investigated characteristics of den structures and den sites used by female Eurasian lynx (_Lynx lynx_) in the Jura Mountains and the northwestern Alps of Switzerland. Between 1983 and 2000, 30 natal and 40 maternal dens from 26 females were located within the field work of the Swiss Lynx Project. Important den structures were closed, i.e. provided good shelter, had few entrances, and measured one m2. Most dens were located in mixed forests with relatively open vegetation allowing for a visibility of 10-20 m. Contrary to my expectations, natal, as well as maternal dens were equally exposed to human disturbance and lay in more or less dangerous terrain. Overall, the two den types barely differed. While kittens were better hidden in natal dens and natal dens almost never had an open structure, maternal dens were surrounded by a larger number of hiding places. Furthermore, I noticed numerous differences between the 40 den sites of the Jura Mts. and the 30 den sites of the NW-Alps: dens in the Jura were situated lower and in flatter terrain; besides, they were located more distant from settlements and forest borders and closer to roads than den sites in the Alps. The age of the mother had no direct influence on cub survival. However, the age (experience) of the female was correlated with the microclimatic stability of a den site and its shelter against the weather. These were the principle factors important for the survival of young lynx in the first year of their life. |
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