Sex- and age-specific reproductive and physical parameters of the bobcat ( Lynx rufus ) on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Parker, G. R., Smith, G. E. J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1983
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Breton Island; Lynx
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z83-229; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z83-229

A total of 605 bobcat (Lynx rufus) carcasses, collected by trappers on Cape Breton Island from 1977–1978 through 1979–1980, were examined for sex and age structure, physical characteristics and condition, diet, and reproduction. The overall sex ratio was 52 males to 48 females; sex ratios favoured males in the juvenile cohorts and females in adult classes. Annual survival rates for adult males and females were 0.58 and 0.63, respectively. Kits were underrepresented and yearlings overrepresented in the annual harvests. The oldest bobcats were aged at 11.5 years. Females produced their first litters at 1 or 2 years of age. Breeding rates for 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old bobcats were 26, 55, and 73%, respectively. For those three age-classes, in utero litter sizes were 2.22, 2.43, and 2.74, respectively. Litter sizes ranged from 1 to 6. Snowshoehare (Lepus amer ic anus) was the most important food item in the winter diet; annual percent occurrence values ranged from 83 to 92%. The proportion of yearlings in the monthly samples declined through the winter while the proportion of kits increased. Options for regulating the composition of the harvest through flexible seasons are discussed.