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

作　　者：Andrew R.Little L.Mike Conner Michael J.Chamberlain Nathan P.Nibbelink Robert J.Warren 

机构地区：[1]Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources,University of Georgia,180 E.Green St,Athens,GA 30602,USA [2]Joseph W.Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway,Newton,Georgia 39870,USA

出　　处：《Ecological Processes》2018年第1期206-217,共12页生态过程（英文）

基　　金：We are grateful for funding provided by the Joseph W.Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway,Robert W.Woodruff Foundation,and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia.

摘　　要：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.

关 键 词：Georgia Habitat selection Lynx rufus Pinus palustris Prescribed fire 

分 类 号：O17[理学—数学]