Demography of a low productivity bobcat population

Publication Type:

Thesis

Authors:

Koehler, Gary M.

Source:

University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, p.27 pp. (1987)

Call Number:

U87KOE02IDUS

Keywords:

bobcat, Felis rufus, long-tailed vole, Microtus longicaudus, Microtus montanus, montane vole

Abstract:

I studied an unexploited bobcat population in the River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho, during 1982-85. The population was stable at 20-25 animals. Winters were severe and influenced bobcat density, social organization, use of prey, and productivity. Density in summer was 1 resident per 23.3 to 29.0 km²; winter density was 1 bobcat per 3.5 to 5.2 km². The low summer density was reflected in the large home range sizes, 88.1 km² for males and 31.3 km² for females. Winter home range sizes were 18.1 km² for males and 7.9 km² for females. During winter voles were the dominant prey item, occurring in 65% of bobcat scats. Both food availability and spacing behavior limited winter density. Food availability limited bobcat productivity, with only 3.5 kittens and subadults added to the population yearly. Recruitment was at equilibrium with natural mortality and emigration. This study indicates that trapper and hunter harvest may be an additive mortality factor causing the bobcat population to decline.