Landscape Analysis of Bobcat Habitat in the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan

Controversy over bobcat (Lynx rufus) management in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan (NLP), USA, stimulated a need for information on the distribution of Michigan bobcats. From March 2003 to October 2004, we conducted a radiotelemetry and scent-station survey study of bobcats in the NLP. We d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of wildlife management 2007-11, Vol.71 (8), p.2699-2706
Main Authors: PREUSS, TIMOTHY S, GEHRING, THOMAS M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal behavior
Bearings
Birds
bobcat
Bobcats
core area
Environmental protection
Forest habitats
Geographic information systems
Habitat conservation
habitat model
Habitats
Hexagons
landscape
Landscapes
Lowland forests
Lynx rufus
Methods
Michigan
Penrose distance
Population
radiotelemetry
Research s
scent-station survey
Telemetry
Trapping
Urban habitats
Wildlife conservation
Wildlife habitats
Wildlife management
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Summary:Controversy over bobcat (Lynx rufus) management in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan (NLP), USA, stimulated a need for information on the distribution of Michigan bobcats. From March 2003 to October 2004, we conducted a radiotelemetry and scent-station survey study of bobcats in the NLP. We developed a spatial model to predict bobcat distribution throughout the NLP based on bobcat area requirements, habitat and landscape variables derived from remotely sensed land-cover data, and a multivariate distance statistic. Bobcat 50% minimum convex polygon core areas were comprised of more lowland forest (51%), nonforested wetlands (9%), and streams (3%) than the surrounding NLP. The NLP was comprised primarily of upland forest (44%) and field (32%). Habitat in the northeast and central regions of the NLP was most similar to the habitat composition of bobcat core areas. This model will be useful in aiding Michigan wildlife management agencies with assessing the status and distribution of the NLP bobcat population by identifying areas important to bobcats and supporting the development of regional strategies for carnivore conservation.
ISSN:0022-541X
1937-2817
DOI:10.2193/2006-389