The ecology of the lynx ( Lynx canadensis) on Cape Breton Island

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Parker, G. R., Maxwell, J. W., Morton, L. D., Smith, G. E. J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1983
• Subjects: Breton Island; Lynx
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z83-102; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z83-102

Recruitment of lynx (Lynx canadensis) on Cape Breton Island declined from 1977–1978 through 1979–1980 concurrent with a decrease in snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) densities. Suppressed recruitment resulted from a decline in pregnancy rates, especially in the yearling cohort, and increased mortality of kits during the first 6 months of life. Snowshoe hare was the main component in the diet of lynx during both winter and summer. Lynx rarely travelled together except for females with kits. Hunting success (percent successful chases) increased wth group size. Overall hunting success increased through the winter. Winter kill rates averaged one hare per lynx per 24 h. Home ranges of adults were larger in summer (25–32 km 2 ) than in winter (12–18 km 2 ). Daily cruising distances (kilometres per 24 h) were greater in summer (~9 km) than in winter (~8 km). Although lynx used all habitats within their home ranges, they selected for the advanced successional habitat (~20 years after cutting) both winter and summer. Mature conifer habitat was used more in summer than in winter. The short-term impact of extensive forest harvesting within the limited range of lynx on the highlands of Cape Breton Island is uncertain; in the long-term it should prove beneficial by increasing the availability of preferred advanced successional habitat. Harvesting of lynx should be closely controlled, especially during periods of reduced densities of snowshoe hares and suppressed recruitment of lynx.