Eurasian Lynx Home Range Overlap: Influence of Migratory Prey, Seasonal Variation, and Social Dynamics

Abstract

This study investigates the spatial dynamics of Eurasian lynx in Norway, specifically addressing following primary research questions: how the overlap with other lynx is influenced by the size of their home ranges, the presence of migratory prey, social dynamics, and seasonal changes. By analyzing spatial data from 1995-2023, home ranges based on kernel density estimation were established and compared. Results show a significant negative correlation between home range size and overlap, suggesting that larger home ranges are associated with reduced overlap. There was no significant correlation between the presence of migratory prey and overlap, indicating that lynx might primarily rely on alternative food sources when reindeer migrate. Female-male overlap significantly differed from female-female overlap. This could stem from the fact that females have smaller home ranges and show less tolerance for intraspecific encounters, whereas increased overlap between female-male is anticipated due to males’ larger home ranges and more frequent interactions during the mating season. Furthermore, seasonal analysis revealed higher overlap immediately prior to and during mating season, as well as gestation period and mid-winter, highlighting the relevance of reproductive cycles and weather effects on prey accumulation in driving spatial dynamics. Understanding how these factors influence spatial behavior can inform habitat management strategies aimed at maintaining suitable lynx habitats and mitigating potential conflicts with human activities.

This study investigates the spatial dynamics of Eurasian lynx in Norway, specifically addressing following primary research questions: how the overlap with other lynx is influenced by the size of their home ranges, the presence of migratory prey, social dynamics, and seasonal changes. By analyzing spatial data from 1995-2023, home ranges based on kernel density estimation were established and compared. Results show a significant negative correlation between home range size and overlap, suggesting that larger home ranges are associated with reduced overlap. There was no significant correlation between the presence of migratory prey and overlap, indicating that lynx might primarily rely on alternative food sources when reindeer migrate. Female-male overlap significantly differed from female-female overlap. This could stem from the fact that females have smaller home ranges and show less tolerance for intraspecific encounters, whereas increased overlap between female-male is anticipated due to males’ larger home ranges and more frequent interactions during the mating season. Furthermore, seasonal analysis revealed higher overlap immediately prior to and during mating season, as well as gestation period and mid-winter, highlighting the relevance of reproductive cycles and weather effects on prey accumulation in driving spatial dynamics. Understanding how these factors influence spatial behavior can inform habitat management strategies aimed at maintaining suitable lynx habitats and mitigating potential conflicts with human activities.