Behavioural Responses of Coyotes and Lynx to the Snowshoe Hare Cycle

O’Donoghue, Mark; Boutin, Stan; Krebs, Charles J.; Murray, Dennis L.; Hofer, Elizabeth J.

doi:10.2307/3546927

Cited by 109 publications

(124 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…In turn, predators are expected to behave according to the optimal foraging theory, which states that a predator maximizes energy intake by balancing the energy expended in searching and capturing prey with the energy gained from metabolizing that food (van Baalen et al, 2001;Spitz et al, 2010a). The distribution patterns (Barros and Wells, 1998;Lambert et al, 2014), group size, and social structure of social predators are thus influenced by the distribution and composition of prey (O'Donoghue et al, 1998;Meynier et al, 2008;Foster et al, 2012). However, studying the dynamics of apex predators is challenging due to their wide distribution, low densities, and ability to evade detection, particularly in the marine environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dolphin Prey Availability and Calorific Value in an Estuarine and Coastal Environment

2016

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Prey density has long been associated with prey profitability for a predator, but prey quality has seldom been quantified. We assessed the potential prey availability and calorific value for Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in an estuarine and coastal environment of temperate south-western Australia. Fish were sampled using three methods (21.5 m beach seine, multi-mesh gillnet, and fish traps), across three regions (Estuary, Bay, and Ocean) in the study area. The total biomass and numbers of all species and those of potential dolphin prey were determined in austral summers and winters between 2007 and 2010. The calorific value of 19 species was determined by bomb calorimetry. The aim of the research was to evaluate the significance of prey availability in explaining the higher abundance of dolphins in the region in summer vs. winter across years. A higher abundance of prey was captured in the summer (mean of two summer seasons 12,080 ± 160) than in the winter (mean of two winter seasons = 7358 ± 343) using the same number of gear sets in each season and year. In contrast, higher biomass and higher energy rich prey were captured during winters than during summers, when fewer dolphins are present in the area. Variability was significant between season and region for the gillnet (p < 0.01), and seine (p < 0.01). The interaction of season and region was also significant for the calorific content captured by the traps (p < 0.03), and between the seasons for biomass of the trap catch (p < 0.02). The dolphin mother and calf pairs that remain in the Estuary and Bay year round may be sustained by the higher quality, and generally larger, if lesser abundant, prey in the winter months. Furthermore, factors such as predator avoidance and mating opportunities are likely to influence patterns of local dolphin abundance. This study provides insights into the complex dynamics of predator-prey interactions, and highlights the importance for a better understanding of prey abundance, distribution and calorific content in explaining the spatial ecology of large apex predators.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dolphin Prey Availability and Calorific Value in an Estuarine and Coastal Environment

2016

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“…Where Coyote and lynx are sympatric and share a limited resource base, dietary overlap during winter has been shown to be high; however, there is no evidence of interspecific or exploitation competition (Murray and Boutin 1991;Fortin and Huot 1995;Murray et al 1995;Staples 1995;O'Donoghue et al 1997O'Donoghue et al , 1998aO'Donoghue et al , 2001. Parker et al (1983) postulated that Bobcats may exhibit competitive exclusion over lynx on Cape Breton Island.…”

Section: Nutritionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The recent invasion of Cape Breton Island by Coyotes and their access on packed roads and trails into high elevation winter habitats have been suggested as an additional potential threat to the island's lynx (M. Elderkin, personal communication; D. Banks, personal communication). However, field studies conducted where lynx and Coyote are sympatric have not identified exploitation competition between the two species (Murray and Boutin 1991;Murray et al 1995;Staples 1995;Slough and Mowat 1996;O'Donoghue et al 1997O'Donoghue et al , 1998a.…”

Section: Limiting Factors and Threatsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of the Canada Lynx, <em>Lynx canadensis</em>, in Canada

Poole¹

2003

Can Field Nat

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The Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) is the most common and widespread member of the cat family in Canada. Lynx are distributed throughout forested regions of Canada and Alaska and into portions of the northern contiguous United States, closely paralleling the range of its primary prey, the Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus). They are most common in the boreal, sub-boreal and western montane forests, preferring older regenerating forests (>20 years) and generally avoiding younger stands, and occupy roughly 95% of their former range in Canada. Lynx population size fluctuates 3–17 fold over an 8–11 year cycle, tracking the abundance of Snowshoe Hares with a 1–2 year lag. During increasing and high hare abundance, lynx have high reproductive output and high kit and adult survival. The decline phase is characterized by reproductive failure, increased natural mortality, and high rates of dispersal. Dispersal distances of over 1000 km have been recorded. During the cyclic low, kit recruitment essentially fails for 2–3 years, and is followed by several years of modest reproductive output. Reproductive parameters in southern lynx populations appear similar to those found during the cyclic low and early increase phase in more northern populations. Trapping is a significant source of mortality in some areas. Field studies have documented from 2–45 lynx/100 km2 at various times in the cycle and in various habitats. Although the amplitude of the cyclic fluctuations in lynx numbers may have decreased somewhat in recent decades, there is no evidence to suggest a significant decline in numbers in Canada. Lynx are managed as a furbearer in Canada, with harvest regulated primarily by seasons, quotas, and closures. The harvest over the past decade has declined concurrent with declining pelt prices, and is currently a fraction of historic levels. Lynx are fully protected in less than 2–3% of their range in Canada. There is no evidence to suggest that overall lynx numbers or distribution across Canada have declined significantly over the past two decades, although loss of habitat through increased urbanization and development and forestry is likely affecting lynx populations along the southern fringe of its range. Its high potential to increase in numbers and propensity to disperse long distances suggest that the species is relatively resilient to localized perturbations and reductions, given time and removal of the factors that cause the initial decrease. Lowered lynx harvests, coupled with a greater awareness of the need for proactive lynx management, suggests that the overall future of lynx in Canada is secure.

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“…We saw no evidence that lynx were reluctant to cross snowed-in logging roads and trails (Squires; unpublished data; see also O'Donoghue et al 1998). Survey units that could not be surveyed by snowmobile were searched on snowshoes to the extent possible.…”

Section: Snow-track Protocolmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Snow-tracking Protocol Used to Delineate Local Lynx, <em>Lynx canadensis</em>, Distributions

2004

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Determining Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) distribution is an important management need, especially at the southern extent of the species range where it is listed as threatened under the U. S. Endangered Species Act. We describe a systematic snowtrack based sampling framework that provides reliable distribution data for Canada Lynx. We used computer simulations to evaluate protocol efficacy. Based on these simulations, the probability of detecting lynx tracks during a single visit (8 km transect) to a survey unit ranged from approximately 0.23 for surveys conducted only one day after snowfall, to 0.78 for surveys conducted 7 days after a snowfall. If the survey effort was increased to three visits, then detection probabilities increased substantially from 0.58 for one day after snowfall to about 0.95 for surveys conducted 7 days after a snowfall. We tested the protocol in the Garnet Range, Montana, where most lynx were radio-collared. We documented a total of 189 lynx tracks during two winters (2001-2003). Lynx distribution based on snow-track surveys was coincident with the area defined through radio telemetry. Additionally, we conducted snow-track surveys in areas of western Wyoming where lynx were believed present but scarce. We detected a total of six lynx tracks during three winters (1999-2002). In Wyoming , where lynx presence was inferred from a few tracks, we verified species identification by securing genetic samples (hairs from daybeds) along track-lines.

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Behavioural Responses of Coyotes and Lynx to the Snowshoe Hare Cycle

Cited by 109 publications

References 55 publications

Dolphin Prey Availability and Calorific Value in an Estuarine and Coastal Environment

Dolphin Prey Availability and Calorific Value in an Estuarine and Coastal Environment

A Review of the Canada Lynx, <em>Lynx canadensis</em>, in Canada

A Snow-tracking Protocol Used to Delineate Local Lynx, <em>Lynx canadensis</em>, Distributions

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