Dispersal Patterns of Lynx in the Northwest Territories

Knowledge of dispersal patterns in lynx (Lynx lynx) is fragmentary but warrants investigation because of its importance to population and harvest dynamics. From 1989 to 1995 I examined dispersal patterns of 60 radiocollared and 31 eartagged lynx from an untrapped population in southwestern Northwest Territories at peak to low densities of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). Thirty-seven collared and 6 tagged lynx were identified as dispersers. Dispersal rates were greatest in the 12-month period after the rapid decline in hare density. Annual dispersal rates did not differ between sexes (P > 0.20). Dispersal direction was not different from uniform for female lynx (P > 0.5), and favored south and west for males (P 0.22). Survival rates of dispersers and non-dispersers did not differ for any of the intervals in the hare cycle examined (P > 0.40), and were lowest during the first full year after the decline in hare density. Natural causes accounted for nearly 3 times as many deaths as human-caused. Eight lynx established new home ranges at the end of dispersal. The extent of dispersal and the degree of natural mortality after the decline in hare density suggest that although the mobility and vulnerability of lynx populations are both high, some restricted harvesting could be implemented during this period.