Date of Award
5-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College/School
College of Science and Mathematics
Department/Program
Biology
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Randall FitzGerald
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Danlin Yu
Committee Member
Lisa Hazard
Committee Member
Scott Kight
Abstract
Knowledge of an animal's home range provides insights into their ranging patterns and the habitats they exploit. Carnivores serve a fundamental role in ecosystems due to their trophic significance. They require large areas to roam and when these areas are protected many other species benefit. In this study, thirteen bobcats (Lynx rufus) in northwestern New Jersey were captured between 2002-2016 and fitted with GPS telemetry collars to assess their home range sizes and habitat utilization. We determined that female bobcats utilized forested landscapes more so than males, and that males utilized agricultural landscapes more so than females. We did not detect home range size differences amongst the sexes. Our results shed light on the habitat use of New Jersey's state endangered bobcat and provide important information for management and direction for future research related to spatial requirements, habitat selection, and population dynamics of this elusive cat.
File Format
Recommended Citation
Matos, Rita Isabel, "Home Range Size and Habitat Use : Analysis on the State Endangered Bobcat (Lynx rufus) in Northwestern New Jersey" (2020). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 505.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/505