BOBCAT HABITAT SELECTION ACROSS A FRAGMENTED AGROECOSYSTEM LANDSCAPE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Betty L Wong; Cal Poly Pomona; blwong@cpp.edu; Seth P.D. Riley, Joanne G. Moriarty, Elizabeth S. Scordato, Erin J. Questad, Rachel V. Blakey

Urbanization and agriculture have expanded significantly in recent decades, leading to habitat loss, fragmentation, and reduced landscape connectivity for carnivores. Bobcats (Lynx rufus), wide-ranging ambush predators, are associated with intermediate urbanization who also use agricultural areas. However, the features of agricultural landscapes that attract bobcats remain unclear. Using 12 years of bobcat location data collected by the National Park Service in the agroecosystems of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, we analyzed their habitat selection and movement behavior using integrated step selection functions. My preliminary results show that bobcats select for natural habitats, use agricultural areas in proportion to their availability, and avoid urban areas. Bobcats are also seen moving fastest through urban areas in comparison to agricultural areas, suggesting greater preference for agricultural areas. Since bobcats are natural enemies of rodent pests that deal considerable damage to agricultural areas, understanding what influences bobcat presence in these areas is crucial for maintaining resilience in these ecosystems. Our future work will identify specific features of urban-agricultural ecosystems to inform growers and natural resource managers on how to increase connectivity between natural and agricultural areas to encourage not only bobcats, but wildlife movement permeability overall throughout this region.

Poster Session   Student Paper