Spatial Ecology of Bobcats (Lynx rufus) in the Appalachian Mountains of Western Virginia

• Main Author: McNitt, David C.
• Other Authors: Fish and Wildlife Conservation
• Format: Others
• Published: Virginia Tech 2019
• Subjects: bobcats; space use; home range; resource selection; movements; Virginia; Appalachian Mountains; GPS telemetry; prescribed fire; timber harvest
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/93275

Despite the prevalent distribution of bobcats in western Virginia and the broader region of Appalachia, there is a paucity of information on their spatial ecology in this region. Due to the unique ecological conditions of Appalachia, and increasing public interest surrounding the role of bobcats as predators in the region, there is a need for local information on bobcat ecology. I utilized data from 20 GPS collared bobcats (14M, 6F) to investigate bobcat spatial ecology in the mountains of Western Virginia. Average resident male home range size was 33.9 ± 2.6 km^2, nearly 3 times larger than average resident female home range size (12.1 ± 2.4 km^2). Seasonal areas of use did not differ in size among seasons, but exhibited minor shifts in location and shape. Average male movement rates (232.3 ± 12.0 meters/hour) were 1.5 times greater than average female movement rates (154.4 ± 8.9 meters/hour). Male movement rates increased during the dispersal season and female movement rates increased during the denning/kitten-rearing season. Second order resource selection analysis indicates that bobcats of both sexes select home ranges at higher elevations than expected at random, and that selection varies between sexes and among seasons. Third order resource selection analysis indicates that bobcats select for locations near open canopy structure, and avoid forest interior. These findings build upon previous findings regarding bobcat diet and population dynamics to provide a comprehensive understanding of basic bobcat ecology in western Virginia, and will inform further research investigating predator/prey interactions. === Master of Science === Despite the prevalent distribution of bobcats in western Virginia and the broader region of Appalachia, there is a paucity of information on their spatial ecology in this region. Due to the unique ecological conditions of Appalachia, and increasing public interest surrounding the role of bobcats as predators in the region, there is a need for local information on bobcat ecology. I utilized data from 20 GPS collared bobcats (14M, 6F) to investigate bobcat spatial ecology in the mountains of Western Virginia. I found that male bobcats use more space than females, with home ranges nearly 3 times larger and movement rates 1.5 times higher. I found that home ranges do not expand or contract throughout the year, but do shift in shape slightly. I found that bobcats select home ranges at higher elevations, indicating that home ranges are predominantly located on ridges. I found that selection of home ranges differed between sexes and seasons, indicating that shifts in home range shape throughout the year reflect varying habitat selection. Within their home ranges, I found that bobcats select for areas of open canopy resulting from fields, fire, and timber harvest; and avoid areas of forest interior. These findings build upon previous findings regarding bobcat diet and population dynamics to provide a comprehensive understanding of basic bobcat ecology in western Virginia, and will inform further research investigating predator/prey interactions.