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Bobcats (Lynx rufus) as a Model Organism to Investigate the Effects of Roads on Wide-Ranging Carnivores

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Abstract

We are using bobcats (Lynx rufus) as a model organism to examine how roads affect the abundance, distribution, and genetic structure of a wide-ranging carnivore. First, we compared the distribution of bobcat-vehicle collisions to road density and then estimated collision probabilities for specific landscapes using a moving window with road-specific traffic volume. Next, we obtained incidental observations of bobcats from the public, camera-trap detections, and locations of bobcats equipped with GPS collars to examine habitat selection. These data were used to generate a cost-surface map to investigate potential barrier effects of roads. Finally, we have begun an examination of genetic structure of bobcat populations in relation to major road networks. Distribution of vehicle-killed bobcats was correlated with road density, especially state and interstate highways. Collision models suggested that some regions may function as demographic sinks. Simulated movements in the context of the cost-surface map indicated that some major roads may be barriers. These patterns were supported by the genetic structure of bobcats. The sharpest divisions among genetically distinct demes occurred along natural barriers (mountains and large lakes) and in road-dense regions. In conclusion, our study has demonstrated the utility of using bobcats as a model organism to understand the variety of threats that roads pose to a wide-ranging species. Bobcats may also be useful as one of a group of focal species while developing approaches to maintain existing connectivity or mitigate the negative effects of roads.

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Acknowledgments

This project was funded in part, by Wildlife Restoration Program grant W-90-R-1 in cooperation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Partial funding was provided by the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station. This is Scientific Contribution Number 2599. This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, McIntire-Stennis Project 233076. We thank many students at UNH for assistance in all phases of this project. Light Hawk Flight Services provided aerial support. J. Arrow, D. Hockman, M. Kazak, R. McMasters, M. Morrison, and A. Whipple captured bobcats for our telemetry study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA

    John A. Litvaitis, Gregory C. Reed, Rory P. Carroll, Marian K. Litvaitis, Jeffrey Tash, Tyler Mahard & Derek J. A. Broman

  2. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Concord, NH, 03301, USA

    Catherine Callahan & Mark Ellingwood

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  1. John A. Litvaitis
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  2. Gregory C. Reed
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  4. Marian K. Litvaitis
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Correspondence to John A. Litvaitis.

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Litvaitis, J.A., Reed, G.C., Carroll, R.P. et al. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) as a Model Organism to Investigate the Effects of Roads on Wide-Ranging Carnivores. Environmental Management 55, 1366–1376 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-015-0468-2

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