Selection of Post-Fire Seres by Lynx and Snowshoe Hares in the Alaskan Taiga

Abstract

AssTRkcT Knowledge of lynx (Lynx canadensis) use of burned areas is desirable to anticipate the effects of fire management in the taiga. During 1991 to 1994 we tested whether L. canadensis and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) selectively used post-fire seres during winter in the Alaskan taiga and whether selection could be explained by population trends and the concept of refugia for L. americanus. Forest seral stages included early-successional tall shrub-sapling (1985 burn), mid-successional dense tree (1966 burn), and mature coniferous (100 to 115 yr old). Track counts, pelt sealing records, and anecdotal observations indicated that numbers of L. canadensis and L. americanus declined during 1991 to 1994. Tracks of both species were most abundant in the 1966 burn, which was characterized by dense coniferous and deciduous regeneration. Lepus americanus and L. canadensis aIso had the highest preference for the 1966 burn, which is consistent with the prediction that refugia for L. americanus would also contain most of the L. canadensis during the decline phase of the hare cycle. Fire is the predominant disturbance in upland taiga, and mid-successional forest is clearly important to L. canadensis and L. americanus. However, stands of mature forest may be important to L. canadensis for denning and as a source of alternative prey during declines of L. americanus. Thus, conservative fire management to benefit L. canadensis in interior Alaska should ensure some stands of mature forest to fulfill their potential habitat needs.