Adult bobcat (Lynx rufus) habitat selection in a longleaf pine savanna

Authors

Andrew R. Little, University of GeorgiaFollow
L. Mike Conner, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research CenterFollow
Michael J. Chamberlain, University of GeorgiaFollow
Nathan P. Nibbelink, University of GeorgiaFollow
Robert J. Warren, University of GeorgiaFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

5-17-2018

Citation

Adult bobcat (Lynx rufus) habitat selection in a longleaf pine savanna by A.R. Little, L.M Conner, M.J. Chamberlain, N.P. Nibbelink, R.J. Warren. Ecological Processes (2018) 7:20

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13717-018-0129-5

Comments

RS-3354

© The Author(s). 2018 Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Abstract

Background: Pine savannas are primarily managed with frequent prescribed fire (≤ 3 years) to promote diversity of flora and fauna, and to maintain open, park-like conditions needed by species such as the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis). However, a knowledge gap exists in our understanding of bobcat (Lynx rufus) habitat selection in longleaf pine savannas and research is warranted to direct our future management decisions.

Methods: We examined bobcat habitat selection in a pine savanna managed with frequent fires at two spatial scales (i.e., study area boundary [hereafter, landscape scale]) and annual area of use [95% kernel density; local scale]), and assessed effects of prescribed fire on bobcat habitat selection. Specifically, we monitored 45 bobcats (16 males and 29 females) during 2001–2007.

Results: We found differential habitat selection by sex. At the landscape scale, female bobcats were closer to mixed pine-hardwoods, young pine, and secondary roads, but farther from mature pine and hardwoods stands relative to males. We found no difference in selection of agriculture, shrub-scrub, and primary roads between sexes. At the annual area of use scale, female bobcats were closer to secondary roads, but farther from agriculture and shrub-scrub relative to males. We found no difference in selection of mature pine, mixed pine-hardwoods, hardwoods, young pine, and primary roads between sexes. Bobcats primarily selected for stands burned ≤ 1.1 years post-fire.

Conclusions: Our results show that bobcats exploit a broad range of habitat types in pine landscapes managed with frequent fire and commonly use recently burned stands (≤ 1.1 year post-fire), suggesting prey in many areas of this system are at risk of bobcat predation. Additionally, we suggest land managers consider scale of selection by bobcats when developing habitat management strategies.