An Apparent Overexploited Lynx Population on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Bailey TN, Bangs EE, Portner MF, Malloy JC, McAvinchey RJ. 1986. An Apparent Overexploited Lynx Population on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 50(2):279-290
Available data suggest that lynx (Felis lynx) were overexploited during the last decade on the 7,972-km2 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR), especially in its accessible portions. Lynx harvest during the anticipated peak population (1983-84) was >80% below that of the last peak (1973-74) despite increased trapping effort, adequate habitat, and abundant prey. The majority (66%) of lynx taken from 1977-84 came from remote habitats rather than accessible, prey-abundant habitats. Radio-collared lynx mortality, primarily from trapping, increased from 41 to 86% between 2 trapping seasons (1982-83 and 1983-84) and totaled 90% during 649 days (1982-84). Mortality rates were higher for adult males (88%) than adult females (45%). Two radio-collared adult females with young used 50- and 89-km2 areas while 2 adult males used 64- and 783-km2 areas. Lowland (129 m) forest in a 1947-burned area and upland (346 m) transitional habitats were utilized by lynx. Estimated snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) densities were as high as 1,233/km2 in a 1947-burned forest during 1983 and 1984. Low lynx numbers and harvest and other data, despite abundant habitat and prey, indicated a depressed lynx population. Management implications and actions taken are discussed.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Bailey, Theodore; Bangs, Edward; Portner, Mary; Malloy, John; McAvinchey, Richard
- Units
- KEFJ , SWAN
- Keywords
- Carnivores, Furbearers, Habitat Use, harvest levels, Lynx, Mammals, Mortality, Population Biology, predator-prey cycles, Snowshoe Hare, Trapping