Habitat selection by lynx in the Northwest Territories

Abstract

An understanding of habitat selection by lynx (Lynx canadensis) in the northern boreal forest is needed to evaluate the potential impacts of habitat modification (wildfire and timber harvesting) on lynx populations. We quantified habitat selection by lynx in a 290-km2study area in the western Northwest Territories from 1989 to 1993 by radio-collaring 27 adult lynx (12 females and 15 males). An 8-class habitat map, produced using Landsat thematic mapper data, was used to assess habitat selection. Lynx used habitats disproportionately to their availability (P < 0.001), both at the landscape level and within home ranges. Dense coniferous and dense deciduous forests had higher selection indices than other habitat classes, and wetland – lake bed complexes and open black spruce (Picea mariana) forests had lower selection indices. Habitat selection did not differ between the sexes or among years (P ≥ 0.4) Habitat alteration by wildfire in the northern boreal forest could significantly affect populations of the lynx and its primary prey, the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), particularly by maintaining or increasing the availability of dense forest and other preferred habitats.