Thesis
Seasonal resource selection of Canada lynx in northcentral Washington
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2016
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/105424
Abstract
We investigated seasonal patterns in resource selection of Canada lynx (Lynx Canadensis) in the Cascade Range (northcentral WA, USA) from 2010 to 2012 based on GPS collar locations (1,239 locations; 8 M, 1 F) in summer and winter. Elevation and horizontal cover were the two most influential predictors during both seasons. Estimates of stand structure were more important for predicting lynx use than estimates of tree species composition. Lynx exhibited a strong selection for forests with high horizontal cover year-round, regardless of season. Lynx avoided openings year-round, but avoided complete openings more during the winter. In summer, elevation was more influential on lynx use than any tested predictor and lynx selected for dense stands of young trees with a sapling class dominated by deciduous species. During the winter horizontal cover was more than twice as significant as any other predictor, lynx exhibited a strong selection for older, less-dense stands dominated by large-diameter mixed conifer species and small-diameter mixed deciduous, western larch (Larix occidentalis), and snags. Lynx selected for a narrow band of elevations during the summer, but during the winter broadened their resource use to include lower elevations. For year-round habitat requirements, managers should prioritize retention of a mosaic of interconnected patches of mature multilayer stands and young regenerative stands with high horizontal cover (>46%) located primarily 1,400-1,895 m in elevation. Suitable stands should have a sapling class with ample mixed deciduous tree species and should also include larger diameter tree classes dominated by mixed conifer species including subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), and at lower elevations, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponserosa). Some patches of large-diameter aspen (Populus tremuloides) and whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) should also be retained for summer habitat requirements.
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Details
- Title
- Seasonal resource selection of Canada lynx in northcentral Washington
- Creators
- Grant Nathan Glover
- Contributors
- Robert B. Wielgus (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525297301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis