A winter energetics model for bobcats in a deep snow environment

Area of Science:

• Wildlife Ecology
• Animal Energetics
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Wildlife species' energetic requirements are crucial for survival and predicting responses to environmental changes.
• Northern range limits are often determined by abiotic conditions exceeding an individual's energy balance capacity.
• Bobcats (Lynx rufus) face significant winter challenges at northern latitudes, including cold, deep snow, and food scarcity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an energetics model for bobcats (Lynx rufus) using field data.
• To evaluate the overwinter prey requirements necessary for bobcats to maintain energy balance in a challenging environment.
• To forecast bobcat persistence and responses to changing climates and habitats.

Main Methods:

• Collected field data on bobcat movements, body mass, and diet in northwest Montana.
• Developed an energetics model based on collected field data.
• Calculated daily energy expenditures relative to basal metabolic rate and estimated prey consumption for winter survival.

Main Results:

• Average daily energy expenditures for bobcats were estimated at approximately 1.41 times their basal metabolic rate.
• Over a 90-day winter period, a 10.5 kg bobcat requires specific quantities of various prey, including deer, snowshoe hares, red squirrels, woodrats, and small rodents.
• The model quantifies the substantial prey biomass needed for bobcats to maintain energy balance during winter.

Conclusions:

• Bobcats exhibit dietary flexibility, allowing them to adjust prey consumption to meet energetic demands.
• Movement and activity patterns can be modified by bobcats to manage energy expenditure during winter.
• Understanding bobcat energetics is vital for conservation efforts, especially in the face of climate and habitat changes.