Abstract
Simple SummaryThe Eurasian lynx has a wide distribution range in China, but lynx field studies in China are rare compared to those for European populations. Using camera trapping data, this paper reports the lynx population size, activity patterns, and variation within the prey community at a nature reserve in Inner Mongolia. The results found that there were at least 20 lynx in this reserve, and the population has increased steadily over years. There is a seasonal difference in the daily activity rhythms of lynx. The total activity rhythm of lynx is synchronous with five mammal species: hare, red deer, wild boar, raccoon dog, and badger. Red fox and roe deer showed a timed avoidance of lynx to some extent. The present study sets an example for biodiversity conservation; the recovery of prey communities through habitat management should be a priority in determining the restoration of large carnivore populations in China.Revealing the behavioral relationships between predators and their prey is fundamental in understanding the community structure and ecosystem functions of such animals. This study aimed at detecting the population size and activity patterns of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) (along with its prey) by camera trapping monitoring from 2014 to 2017 at the Saihanwula nature reserve in central Inner Mongolia. The total effective trapping days were 29,892 and 20 lynx were identified from 343 trapping photos based on the inner side patterns of their forelimbs. The daily activity rhythms of the lynx overlapped with those of different prey in different seasons. The yearly activity pattern of the lynx was influenced by its main prey’s biology. In conclusion, this study reveals that the activity patterns of the top predator matched those of its prey in different time periods. Habitat management strategies promoting the restoration of prey communities would benefit the lynx in maintaining a stable community structure.
Highlights
Detailed information on population sizes and activity rhythms is crucial in understanding species ecology, adaptation to the environment, and reasonable management strategies for biodiversity conservation
Several camera-trapping-based field works have been conducted on large wild cat species in China, such as snow leopard (Panthera uncia) [6,7,8,9], common leopard (Panthera pardus) [8,10], and Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) [10,11], which appear in a variety of studies
Similar camera trapping studies are still needed for other wild cats that urgently require systematic study and protection, including the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx, called lynx for short)
Summary
Detailed information on population sizes and activity rhythms is crucial in understanding species ecology, adaptation to the environment, and reasonable management strategies for biodiversity conservation. As an important aspect in behavioral ecology, activity pattern studies show animals’. The elusive activity of nocturnal wild cats has made them difficult to study with traditional direct field survey and behavioral techniques [2]. With the quick development of technology such as camera trapping, an effective non-invasive approach, such works are made more feasible for wild cat species [3,4,5]. Several camera-trapping-based field works have been conducted on large wild cat species in China, such as snow leopard (Panthera uncia) [6,7,8,9], common leopard (Panthera pardus) [8,10], and Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) [10,11], which appear in a variety of studies. Similar camera trapping studies are still needed for other wild cats that urgently require systematic study and protection, including the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx, called lynx for short)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
