Wildlife Population Dynamics:
Bobcat Landscape Ecology  

 Bobcat
ISU

William R. Clark, Ph.D. & Todd Gosselink, Ph.D.

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

 IDNR

Field and laboratory methodology:

We collect data from 3 sources in order to meet our objectives: (1) live-captured bobcats that are radio-collared and released back at the site where they were captured, (2) carcasses of dead bobcats that are the result of automobile collisions and incidental trapping, and (3) reports of bobcat sightings from bow hunters and the general public. Cooperation from trappers and landowners has been especially important to the success of the study because they contact us when a bobcat has been accidentally caught in a trap and allow us access to property. When an animal is accidentally captured it must be reported to the DNR and when we are called (641-203-2218) we proceed immediately to the area to place a radio collar on the bobcat. We briefly anesthetize the bobcat so that we can fit it with a collar and also collect information such as measurements, age, genetic samples, and blood for disease monitoring. Once released, radio-collared bobcats are tracked using vehicle-mounted antennas and sometimes an airplane.

Each animal is located at least twice per week and occasionally followed for several hours at a time to estimate habitat use and movement patterns. Since 2003, almost 100 bobcat have been radio-collared. These bobcats have been located in more than 1,400 locations . In addition to live-captured bobcats, 500 bobcat carcasses have been collected from 37 counties in Iowa. Carcasses are examined to determine pregnancy rates, litter sizes, dietary preference, and age (from sectioning the teeth), and to collect tissue for genetic analyses.

Map of Iowa highlighting counties where bobcat carcasses have been collected from 2001-2007. Click for a larger view

Background | Methods | Bobcat Description and Distinguishing Characteristics | Distribution, Habitat, and Behavior | Reproduction, Survival, and Dispersal | Collaborators and Crew |
Report | FAQ | Bobcat Homepage | Dr. Clark Homepage

Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Updated 09/07/2007