Understanding the factors affecting the apparent reappearance, current distribution, and long-term persistence of Canada lynx in Minnesota and the GLGA requires a combination of basic and applied research. Research Needs that will most effectively contribute to the recovery and conservation of Canada lynx in Minnesota and other states in the GLGA include:
1. Determining current distribution,
2. Determining the abundance,
3. Determining habitat use and required
habitats, and
4. Monitoring the long-term persistence
Research Need #1 is being completed by collecting reports of new sightings. The project is actually addressing Research Needs #2 & #3. Data being collected also is directly applicable to Research Need #4, but persistence is a question that cannot be answered as quickly as questions on abundance and habitat use.
In 2005, two+ years into the project, we do have some preliminary results that can be summarized for some of the research questions. The easiest preliminary results are related to survival and kitten production, we will start with those. As time passes other aspects of the project will be filled in in this section.
1. Number of Study Animals
2. Reproduction and Kitten survival
3. Mortality
4. Hare Density with Mark-Recapture
5. Hare Pellet Plots and Cover Type