IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library
   

 

View printer friendly
Avgan, B.; Zimmermann, F.; Gntert, M.; Arikan, F.; Breitenmoser, U.
The first density estimation of an isolated Eurasian lynx population in southwest Asia
2014  Wildlife Biology (20): 217-221

During November 2010 - February 2011, we used camera traps to estimate the population density of Eurasian lynx _Lynx lynx_ in Ciglikara Nature Reserve, Turkey, an isolated population in southwest Asia. Lynx density was calculated through spatial capture - recapture models. In a sampling eff ort of 1093 camera trap days, we identified 15 independent individuals and estimated a density of 4.20 independent lynx per 100 km ý, an unreported high density for this species. Camera trap results also indicated that the lynx is likely to be preying on brown hare _Lepus europaeus_, which accounted for 63% of the non-target species pictured. As lagomorph populations tend to fluctuate, the high lynx density recorded in Ciglikara may be temporary and may decline with prey fluctuation. Therefore we recommend to survey other protected areas in southwestern Turkey where lynx is known or assumed to exist, and continuously monitor the lynx populations with reliable methods in order to understand the populations structure and dynamics, define sensible measures and management plans to conserve this important 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)