Pilkojo vilko (canis lupus L.) ir eurazinės lūšies (lynx lynx L.) pasiskirstymo ypatumai Biržų girios masyve /

• Main Author: Bačys, Kasparas
• Format: Bachelor Thesis
• Language: Lithuanian; English
• Published: Institutional Repository of Vilnius University 2023
• Subjects: Canis lupus; gray wolf; Lynx; Lynx lynx lynx
• Online Access: https://repository.vu.lt/VU:ELABAETD192842031&prefLang=en_US

The gray wolf (Canis lupus L.) and eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx L.) are two species of predators that are significant for maintaining forests and other ecosystems. These species live in the Biržai forest territory and other forest and steppe ecosystems around the world. These species are protected because they are considered important indicators of ecosystem stability. A study on the distribution of gray wolves and eurasian lynx is important and can contribute not only to their conservation but also to a general understanding of their way of life. The purpose of this study is to assess the distribution patterns of wolves and lynx in the Biržai biosphere reserve. The main objectives of this study allow us to understand the distribution of wolves and lynx in the Biržai forest based on activity signs, analyzing data from monitoring cameras to understand their daily activity time, and making a general comparison between these two predators based on activity signs and statistically analyzing distances between activity sign locations and the edge of the forest. Different methods were used in the study, including monitoring cameras, whose data were obtained in cooperation with Biržai forest rangers, GPS programs on a phone used to measure the walking route and record the coordinates of activity signs, including excrement and footprints. Distance measurements were made with the QGIS computer program, and statistical analysis was carried out. The research was conducted in the Biržai biosphere reserve during two winters and one summer. Maps were created showing the locations of footprints and excrement found, as well as the locations of predators detected by monitoring cameras. Graphs were prepared showing the daily activity of wolves and lynx, as well as Q-Q plots of statistical analysis indicating conformity with the normal distribution. It was found that the distribution of wolves and lynx did not differ significantly from each other: wolves and lynx are found in the northern part of the forest and in places north of the ...