IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Moreno Arzate, C.N.; Martinez, A.R.; Sierra, R.G.; Lopez Gonzalez, C.A. | |
| Spatial Ecology and Abundance of Mexican Bobcats in Northwestern Mexico to Assess its Conservation Status | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
A lack of ecological studies on bobcats (_Lynx rufus_) in Mexico has precluded wildlife managers and decision makers to successfully determine its conservation status; the objective of the study was to gather baseline ecological data to help assess its conservation status in the sky islands of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Utilizing a suite of methods (spoor, camera-traps and observations) we determined habitat seasonal use for 2002, 2003, and 2005. Bobcats used nine habitat types, most importantly juniper-oak woodland (34.8% records), pine forest (18%) and pine-oak (15.5%) significantly differing from availability; we also recorded significant differences between years and seasons. Habitat use was similar between 2003 and 2005, differing from 2002. We estimated a density of one individual per 20 sq. km., which is low compared to other bobcat studies. Low abundance and spatial habitat use patterns appear to be related to precipitation variation and consequently on prey distribution. Alternative restrictions on harvest and modification of conservation status should be applied to this population classifying it to vulnerable to extinction. |
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