IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Shenk, T.M. | |
| Post-release monitoring of lynx (_Lynx canadensis_) reintroduced to Colorado | |
| 2005 Full Book | |
In an effort to establish a viable population of lynx (_Lynx canadensis_) in Colorado, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) initiated a reintroduction effort in 1997 with the first lynx released in February 1999. A total of 166 lynx were released from 1999-2004 and an augmentation of 38 additional animals (20 males:18 females) was completed in 2005 resulting in a total of 204 lynx reintroduced to southwestern Colorado. Each lynx was released with dual satellite and VHF radio transmitters to allow intensive monitoring of animals after release. Locations of each lynx were collected through aerial- or satellite-tracking to document movement patterns. Most lynx remain in the southwestern quarter of Colorado. Through documentation of lynx mortalities and causes of death, human-caused mortality factors, such as gunshot and vehicle collision, are currently the highest source of mortality for reintroduced lynx. Reproduction was first documented during the 2003 reproduction season with 6 dens and 16 kittens found. A second successful breeding season was documented in 2004 with 30 kittens found at 11 dens and an addition 9 kittens found after denning season. In 2005, 46 kittens were found at 16 dens with an additional den located but not visited for safety reasons. Data collected from snow-tracking indicate the primary winter prey species are snowshoe hare (_Lepus americanus_) and red squirrel (_Tamiasciurus hudsonicus_), with other mammals and birds forming a minor part of the winter diet. Site-scale habitat data collected from snow-tracking efforts indicate Engelmann spruce (_Picea engelmannii_) and subalpine fir (_Abies lasiocarpa_) are the most common forest stands used by lynx in southwestern Colorado. Results to date have demonstrated that CDOW has developed release protocols that ensure high initial post-release survival, and on an individual level, lynx have demonstrated an ability to survive long-term in areas of Colorado. Reintroduced lynx have also exhibited site fidelity, engaged in breeding behavior and produced kittens. What is yet to be demonstrated is whether conditions in Colorado can support the recruitment necessary to offset annual mortality for a population to remain viable for several generations of lynx. Monitoring of reintroduced lynx will continue in an effort to document such viability. |
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