Lynx to Colorado
Many people confuse bobcats for lynx. Besides their large feet and black-tipped tails, lynx in Colorado have another distinguishing feature: radio collars.
To restore populations of Canada lynx to part of their former range in the state, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) began transporting them from Canada to the United States in 1999. Since then, 204 lynx have been released and monitored, and another 15 will follow this year.
However, high mortality and low reproduction during the first several years raised questions about whether the released lynx would be able to establish themselves in the state. Only recently have things started to look more optimistic.
Kerry Fanson, a Purdue University Ph.D. student, is exploring causes of low survival and reproduction rates among the lynx during the effort's early stages. She works with a variety of advisors on the project, including Dr. Nadja Wielebnowski, behavioral endocrinologist at Brookfield Zoo.
Together, Kerry and Wielebnowski analyze fecal samples collected by DOW biologists. These samples reveal information on the reproductive and stress hormone levels of the lynx. Since there is very little information available on what is considered a "normal" hormone range for this species, the researchers compare the samples to those of lynx from zoos and from naturally occurring populations in other states.
"Is it the stress of being transported and released into a new habitat, the difficulty of finding a mate, or simply the process of acclimating to a different environment that caused the reproductive suppression in the lynx?" asks Kerry. "Once we know more, we can make improvements that might help sustain the population."
Early this year, Kerry will join DOW biologists to track recently reintroduced lynx via radio collars and collect fecal samples to be sent to Brookfield Zoo. The group will also fly over the cats' habitat to remotely observe behavior.
"We are excited to be involved in this project because it investigates a very important aspect of the reintroduction process for the first time," says Wielebnowski. "Not only will it help preserve Canada lynx, it has the potential to affect a number of other species undergoing reintroduction."
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