IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Podgorski, T. | |
| Selection and characteristics of resting and kill sites of Eurasian lynx (_Lynx lynx_) in Bialowieza primeval forest | |
| 2006 Full Book | |
Habitat selection by the Eurasian lynx is poorly known and has not been thoroughly investigated yet. The present study, conducted in BiaüowieSa Primeval Forest, Poland, aimed at analysing habitat characteristics important for lynx with regard to resting and hunting. Three lynx (2 females and 1 male) were radio-tracked and their resting sites and kill sites were determined and described. Additional data was obtained by snowtracking other individuals during winter seasons. Forty nine resting and 50 kill sites were found and twelve variables were measured at each of them and compared to random sites (n = 56). The influence of seasons on lynx habitat preference was also studied. Lynx showed no preference for any forest type when resting, but selection of a youngest age class of tree stands (5-20 years) was significant (p < 0.001). More than a half of resting sites were placed in thickets. Thickets were chosen for resting more frequently in winter than in summer (p < 0.05). The density of trees was higher and amount of understorey was greater (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively) in resting sites in comparison with random sites. Visibility in resting sites was very low, in both seasons lower than in random sites (p < 0.001). Lynx stayed nearby (< 50 m) and guarded their prey if the visibility in its vicinity was very low. Otherwise they chose more remote places for resting. The number of resting sites in the vicinity of roads (< 100 m) did not differ from that of random sites located likewise (p = 0.56). Surprisingly, lynx rested more often near busy roads. Neither type of forest nor its age was prefered by lynx for hunting. No seasonal variations were observed with respect to the type and age of the forest at kill sites. Comparing to random sites, density of trees was lower and amount of understorey was similar in kill sites. There were more structures advantageous to stalking prey (fallen logs, root plates, laying branches, bushes) in kill sites than in random ones (p <0.001). Visibility in kill sites was lower than in random sites. Comparison between exact killing and caching places of the same preys (n = 18) showed differences in amount of understorey and visibility (both being greater in caching sites). Values of other variables did not differ between killing and caching sites. Lynx dragged a prey farther away to hide it if visibility in the killing place was very good. Lynx did not hunt more frequently near (< 50 m) or on clearings (p = 0.09) than expected from random points, but the clearings preferred by lynx for hunting were most often overgrown with regenerating young trees and bushes, unlike the random sites, which were mostly fresh clearcuts. The results showed that lynx clearly preferred sites offering a sense of security for resting and they preferentially hunted in places with good stalking possibilities. The information obtained during this study may prove to be applicable in conservation measures of the species. |
|
 |
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) |