Spatial Ecology of Bobcats in the Greater Everglades
WARC researchers will estimate the density and distribution of bobcats in relation to environmental variables through the development of spatially explicit capture-recapture and occupancy models.
The Science Issue and Relevance: Bobcats (Lynx rufus) play an important role in ecosystem function in the United States through their role as a top predator. Bobcat populations are reported to be expanding across the U.S. except in the State of Florida, where bobcat population declines have been attributed to anthropogenic habitat modification. In Everglades National Park specifically, bobcat populations have declined by almost 90% after the invasion of the Burmese python. However, relatively little is known about the spatial ecology of bobcats in the Greater Everglades. This knowledge gap is of particular concern to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), who need to understand the responses of terrestrial wildlife, like bobcats, to water management in the Greater Everglades.
Methodology for Addressing the Issue: We will estimate the density and distribution of bobcats in Water Conservation Area 3 in relation to environmental variables (e.g., vegetation, water depth). Spatially explicit capture-recapture and occupancy models will be developed using photographs collected from camera traps set by FWC. These statistical modeling techniques will be used to relate spatial and temporal variation in bobcat abundance to water level fluctuations and habitat variables.
Future Steps: We will develop parameterized models of bobcat density and its spatial and temporal variation in response to environmental variables. FWC is particularly interested in the results of this study to help guide management decisions during high water events in the Greater Everglades.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Helper
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Wader Distribution & Evaluation Modeling (WADEM)
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Marl Prairie Indicator
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: EverSnail
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Alligator Production Probability Model
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Greater Everglades Modeling Decision Support Tools
Advanced Technological Solutions in Support of Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystem Science: Joint Ecosystem Modeling (JEM)
WARC researchers will estimate the density and distribution of bobcats in relation to environmental variables through the development of spatially explicit capture-recapture and occupancy models.
The Science Issue and Relevance: Bobcats (Lynx rufus) play an important role in ecosystem function in the United States through their role as a top predator. Bobcat populations are reported to be expanding across the U.S. except in the State of Florida, where bobcat population declines have been attributed to anthropogenic habitat modification. In Everglades National Park specifically, bobcat populations have declined by almost 90% after the invasion of the Burmese python. However, relatively little is known about the spatial ecology of bobcats in the Greater Everglades. This knowledge gap is of particular concern to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), who need to understand the responses of terrestrial wildlife, like bobcats, to water management in the Greater Everglades.
Methodology for Addressing the Issue: We will estimate the density and distribution of bobcats in Water Conservation Area 3 in relation to environmental variables (e.g., vegetation, water depth). Spatially explicit capture-recapture and occupancy models will be developed using photographs collected from camera traps set by FWC. These statistical modeling techniques will be used to relate spatial and temporal variation in bobcat abundance to water level fluctuations and habitat variables.
Future Steps: We will develop parameterized models of bobcat density and its spatial and temporal variation in response to environmental variables. FWC is particularly interested in the results of this study to help guide management decisions during high water events in the Greater Everglades.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.