Influence of Time-in-Residence on Home Range and Habitat Use of Bobcats

Abstract

Influence of time-in-residence on bobcat (Lynx rufus) home range size and habitat use is unknown. Therefore, we examined changes in home range size and habitat use as functions of monitoring duration for bobcats monitored ≥2 years in eastcentral Mississippi. We monitored 27 bobcats (5 M, 22 F) for a ≥2-year period from 1 January 1989 to 31 December 1996. As duration of monitoring increased, changes in home range size were dependent on sex (P = 0.07). Male annual home ranges increased (previous year home range size = 1,534 ± 212 ha [̄ ± SE]) subsequent year home range size = 1,567 ± 261; P = 0.08, n = 9), whereas female annual home ranges decreased (previous year home range size = 781 ± 91 ha, subsequent year home range size = 640 ± 57; P = 0.03, n = 36) with time-in-residence. Habitat composition of female bobcat home ranges did not change over time (P > 0.10). Conversely, habitat composition of male home ranges seemed to change over time (P = 0.08). However, there were no univariate differences (P > 0.10) in male home range habitat composition as a function of time-in-residence. Interpretation of home range data without information concerning time-in-residence may be misleading.