Seasonal Use of Latrines by Bobcats: Implications for Monitoring Programs

Abstract

Latrines serve as important communication networks among felids for transmitting information relative to social dominance, reproductive status, and defense of hunting areas. During January 2011-August 2012, we monitored 10 bobcat (Lynx rufus) latrines in the northern Lower Peninsula (NLP) of Michigan, USA, using motion-sensitive cameras to estimate bobcat visitation and scat deposition rates among 3 biological seasons (mating, kitten-rearing, non-mating). Bobcat visitation rates differed among the 3 seasons. We found equal number of visits during the mating and kitten-rearing seasons, and lower visitation rates during the non-mating season. Scat deposition rates differed among the 3 seasons. We found a net gain of scats deposited during the mating and non-mating seasons, whereas there was a net loss of scats during the kitten-rearing season. An artificial latrine protocol we developed yielded visitation at 4 of 12 artificial latrine sites. Monitoring natural and artificial latrines during the mating and kitten-rearing seasons could provide valuable data for managing bobcat populations.