Modeling the reintroduction of lynx to the southern portion of its range

We modeled populations of lynx (Lynx canadensis) and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) to determine prey densities required for persistence of lynx translocated to the southern portion of the species' range. The models suggested that a density of 1.1?1.8 hares/h is required for lynx persistence; these densities are higher than those reported for most hare populations across the USA. We found that lynx dispersal and density-independent mortality substantially increased the hare density required for lynx persistence. Reintroduction success was associated with number of release events, total number of animals released, and timing of release relative to the phase of the hare population cycle. However, no release protocol...

Categories: Publication; Types: Citation, Journal Citation; Tags: Biological Conservation, Canada lynx, Lepus americanus, Lynx canadensis, Population modelling, All tags... Prey density, Reintroduction, Release protocols, Snowshoe hare, Fewer tags