The role of lynx dispersal in maintaining their populations at the landscape scale is unclear. A large proportion of local lynx populations are known to disperse following a snowshoe hare population crash, but whether these dispersal events contribute to the cyclic dynamics of neighboring populations is not well understood. If lynx dispersal does play an important role in lynx population dynamics then the conservation of dispersal corridors is critical to maintaining those dynamics. However, we currently have no information on the habitat requirements of dispersing lynx in relation to human land use, such as housing developments, road building, timber harvest, and mining, all of which could have a substantial impact on the ability of lynx to successfully disperse. Lynx are highly sought after by trappers and are an important subsistence resource to local residents on refuges; however there is little understanding of the relationship between trapping and lynx population dynamics. Recent changes to trapping regulations have the potential to result in increased trapping pressure on lynx in Alaska. Evidence suggests trapping harvest can result in significant reduction of local populations, which has been documented in Alaska and Canada. In addition to impacts of trapping on local lynx populations, little is known about how trapping may influence dispersal processes. We seek a better understanding of lynx spatial ecology to ensure long-term population viability and continued trapping, hunting, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
