Date of Award
Spring 2012
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Natural Resources: Wildlife Ecology
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
John A Litvaitis
Abstract
Habitat suitability models derived from data obtained from radio telemetry and citizen observations were developed to evaluate habitat selection of monitored bobcats, compare statewide habitat suitability models and maps developed using locations from telemetry and citizen observations, and produce statewide population estimates. In the winter of 2009-2010, adult bobcats were captured in southwest New Hampshire and equipped with GPS tracking collars. GPS locations were used to calculate home ranges and to build habitat suitability models using resource selection functions (RSF) following a used vs. available design. RSFs were also applied to recent reported statewide sightings. Comparisons between these two approaches did not support the use of solicited sightings to manage a statewide bobcat population. Statewide abundance estimates were made using a telemetry model and habitat-area requirements.
Recommended Citation
Broman, Derek JA, "A comparison of bobcat (Lynx rufus) habitat suitability models derived from radio telemetry and incidental observations" (2012). Master's Theses and Capstones. 717.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/717