Question

Read this article "Habitat fragmentation and the persistence of lynx populations in Washington state" by Koehler et al 2008. For each answer write a paragraphs, using strong arguments provided by the findings of these researchers.

1. Where was the study conducted? At what temporal and spatial scale? What is the goal that the researchers pursued in this study?

1. Provide a short but complete paragraph that addresses the following questions: What specific methods did the authors use to collect data on habitat selection by lynx? What variables they measured? What kind of analytical tools they used?
2. What are two important results on the patterns of use of habitat (habitat selection) by lynxes in the study area? For example, you may want to look at the affinities that lynxes have for certain type of habitat, canopy cover, plant species etc.

1. What is a possible explanation for each of these patterns of habitat use?

1. Given the characteristics of the areas that may still harbor populations of Lynx in Washington described in this study, what do you think would be the effects of increasing habitat fragmentation on these populations? In your opinion what is the future of the lynx population in Washington State?  

Answer 1

A ) The study was conducted in Washington .

• The temporal and spatial scale of home ranges and seasons in relation to habitat availability at grimso wildlife area .

The goal that the reasearchers had while doing this study was very clear to understand the habitat selection of this area . Darwin says that there is survival of the fittest organism and the population has a lot of variety of characteristics now the nature decides the favourable conditions which can be survived by the animals . Those who can survive and live in those changing and hardest situations only those will be selected by the nature and only those animals will be in the next habitat selection of nature

B) -. Mapper data was used by the author to collect data for the study of lynx population.

• Multiple scale analysis were used for density dependent habitat selection and species specific habitat selection were measured .
• The univariable analytic tools were used

C). The two important habitat pattern are

1. Englemann soruce
2. Subalpine Forrest

D) The possible explanation for thse two habitat pattern selection cam be explained below

Lynx preferred these 2 habitats .with moderate canopy and understory cover, and elevations ranging from 1,525 m to 1,829 m but avoided Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests, openings, recent burns, open canopy and understory cover, and steep slopes. A map of suitable lynx habitat based on a logistic regression model built using these candidate variables revealed that habitats at elevations .1,400 m where lynx historically occurred in Washington are intersected and fragmented by landscape features and forest conditions that are generally avoided by lynx.

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