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Relatedness Assessment and Analysis of Road Mortality Effects on Lynx rufus in Ohio

Heffern, William J
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1628858064984242

Abstract Details

2021, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Environmental Studies (Voinovich).
The state of Ohio is currently assessing the merits of opening a harvest season on Lynx rufus following their removal from the state threatened species list in 2014. Bobcats were extirpated from Ohio by 1850 but have naturally recolonized in the 21st century. Prior research has uncovered two genetically distinct subpopulations in the state with one occurring in the eastern region, and one in the southern. In assessing the current state of L. rufus in Ohio, genetic analysis will paint a better picture regarding genetic admixture of the two subpopulations. We additionally analyze demographic biases in road mortality in order to quantify the effect on population growth trends in the state. In the subsequent decades following L. rufus reestablishment in the state, abundance is increasing as indicated by increase of verified sightings. Refining previous population assessments, we determined that the formerly distinct subpopulations have now thoroughly admixed. Analysis of road mortality specimens demonstrates a bias towards males and dispersal-aged individuals, leading to lower actual recruitment than expected. Based on life tables, road mortality does lead to a reduction in net reproductive rate, though this reduction does not appear to be significant.
Nancy Stevens (Committee Chair)
Stephen Spear (Committee Member)
Viorel Popescu (Committee Member)
Geoff Dabelko (Committee Member)
60 p.
Ecology; Environmental Studies
Bobcat; Lynx; Lynx rufus; Ohio; carnivore; population assessment; microsatellite; DAPC; STRUCTURE; admixture;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Heffern, W. J. (2021). Relatedness Assessment and Analysis of Road Mortality Effects on Lynx rufus in Ohio [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1628858064984242

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Heffern, William. Relatedness Assessment and Analysis of Road Mortality Effects on Lynx rufus in Ohio. 2021. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1628858064984242.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Heffern, William. "Relatedness Assessment and Analysis of Road Mortality Effects on Lynx rufus in Ohio." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1628858064984242

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1628858064984242
175
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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.