Species of the Month Bobcat Lynx rufus Jearu

Bobcat Member of the cat family Medium sized cat with spotted coat and short bobbed tail Ears have tufts on the ends Ranges from southern Canada to central Mexico and throughout the MSHCP Plan Area Very adaptable predator that can be found in a wide variety of habitat types Diet consist of small mammals, birds, and sometimes insects Populations of bobcats are generally doing well throughout their range Member of the cat family Medium sized cat with spotted coat and short bobbed tail Ears have tufts on the ends Ranges from southern Canada to central Mexico Very adaptable predator that can be found in a wide variety of habitat types- from forest, to swampland, to desert, and everywhere in between Diet consist of small mammals ( mostly rabbits and hares), birds, and sometimes insects. Bobcat will even hunt deer if conditions allow. In the Florida Everglades bobcats have been documented taking deer up to eight times their size. Populations of bobcats are generally doing well throughout their range- Hunting and poison can pose a threat to bobcat populations. The use of rodenticide can have negative impacts on bobcat, and many other predators.

Bobcat Bobcats are a predominantly solitary species Bobcats bred during the winter and spring Gestation period is about two months Typically have two to four kittens in April or May Bobcats lifespan is about 7 years Bobcats are a predominantly solitary species Bobcats bred during the winter and spring Gestation period is about two months Typically have two to four kittens in April or May Bobcats lifespan is about 7 years

Monitoring and Management Maintain species presence and use at 75% of identified locations in the plan area Include 469,063 acres of suitable habitat in the Plan Area. Include in the Plan Area linkages and movement corridors between large core areas that allow dispersal and movement of bobcats The Plan takes into account wildlife movement through transportation corridors The monitoring objectives for bobcat have been met Land acquisition is ongoing to complete the reserve Maintain species presence and use at 75% of identified locations in the plan area- the monitoring crew using remote cameras to detect bobcat. Include 469,063 acres of suitable habitat in the Plan Area. ( this includes existing PQP lands, and future and/or current ARL land) Include in the Plan Area linkages and movement corridors between large core areas that allow dispersal and movement of bobcats ( Bobcats can have large homeranges. Providing linkages between Core Areas help bobcats move to new areas and breed with other bobcats. This helps limit inbreeding and leads to a healthier population) The Plan also takes into account wildlife movement through transportation corridors and plans for wildlife crossings for bobcat and other species. The monitoring objectives for bobcat have been met Land acquisition is ongoing to complete the reserve

Thank You Steven Mcsweeny