Experiences with live-capture and radio collaring of lynx Lynx lynx in Norway

Abstract

Lynx have been captured for radio-collaring as part of three research projects in Norway between 1987 and 1996. Box traps, padded leghold traps, foot snares, combinations of foot snares and leghold traps, chasing animals up trees, catching neonates at lairs, and darting individuals while crossing roads have all been used to capture individuals. Mortality was particularly high (2 of 3 died) in the first project in Aust-Agder and Nord-Trøndelag (1987 - 88). Methodological improvements reduced this mortality rate to one lynx of 17 (6%) in Nord-Trøndelag (1994 - 96) and two of 17 (12%) in Hedmark (1995 - 96). Lessons from these accidents should reduce future mortality even further. Leghold traps and foot snares placed around a carcass of a prey animal killed by the lynx are far more effective than box traps, but maintain a higher risk of injuries. Lynx appeared more likely to return to roe deer carcasses than those of semi-domestic reindeer. There was no selection for lighter lynx. It is important to reduce the time-span between capture and immobilisation to lower the risk of injuries. It is recommended to avoid capturing and immobilising lynx at extremely low or high temperatures. Non-target animals getting caught can pose a minor problem when leghold traps stay open for longer periods.