We studied the diet and foraging behavior of bobcats (Lynx rufus) in the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico, from 2005–2007 to test if bobcats will select energetically profitable prey, regardless of their relative abundance. We estimated frequency of occurrence and percentage of occurrence for species of prey in the diet through analysis of scats (n = 117) and evaluated selection of prey by comparing availability against consumption, based on biomass and number of prey consumed as represented in scats. Bobcats consumed a wide variety of prey, but rodents and lagomorphs dominated the diet. Species of prey were not consumed according to availability; combined lagomorphs had the highest probability of being selected based on densities and biomass despite their lower availability. Within lagomorphs, based on their availability, rabbits (Sylvilagus audubonii) were selected more often than jackrabbits. By analyzing the availability and biomass of prey against its consumption, we determined that bobcats do not select prey for high availability but act as specialist foragers. Foraging theory provides the best explanation of dietary selection by bobcats in our study area.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 June 2014
Foraging of the bobcat (Lynx rufus) in the Chihuahuan Desert: generalist or specialist?
Juan Carlos López-Vidal,
Cynthia Elizalde-Arellano,
Lucina Hernández,
John W. Laundré,
Alberto González-Romero,
Fernando A. Cervantes
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
The Southwestern Naturalist
Vol. 59 • No. 2
June 2014
Vol. 59 • No. 2
June 2014