THE ECOLOGY OF THE BOBCAT IN SOUTH ALABAMA

An investigation into the ecology of the bobcat (Lynx rufus) in south Alabama was initiated in 1975 and continued through 1978. Bobcat movement and home range data were collected on two privately owned plantations which were managed for both timber and wildlife. Additional data concerning prey utilization and demography were recorded from bobcats collected within a 50 km radius of the above areas.;Analysis of 136 stomachs, 137 large intestines and 218 scats indicated that the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) and the cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) were the two most frequently utilized prey species during each month of the year. Prey abundance was not the only factor affecting bobcat prey selection. Bobcats specialized by most frequently killing prey in the 150 g to 1500 g size range.;Movement and spatial distribution data were collected on 20 radio-instrumented bobcats. Male home ranges (N = 6) averaged 304.3 ha and female (N = 6) home ranges averaged 145.1 ha. Adult male home ranges did not overlap other adult male ranges. Adult female ranges did not overlap other adult female ranges. Adult male ranges did overlap one or more female home ranges and subadults were indifferently tolerated by both sexes. Although bobcat activity was noted thoughout the day, most movements were crepuscular.;Carcasses of 213 bobcats were examined and the sex ratio computed to be 101 males:100 females. Canine teeth from 189 bobcats were decalcified and aged via cementum annuli techniques. On areas subjected to an annual harvest, the fall population consisted of 26 percent juveniles. Less than 12 percent of this fall population was older than 7 years. The annual harvest rate (25-30 percent) closely approximated the percentage of juveniles in one population whose density remained relatively constant throughout the investigation.;The general status of the bobcat in the Southeast was ascertained by a telephone survey and a literature review. The species was found to be stable or increasing in all southeastern states except Kentucky and Maryland. Published bobcat research was summarized and recommendations made for future research.