An Apparent Overexploited Lynx Population on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Abstract

Available data suggest that lynx (Felis lynx) were overexploited during the last decade on the 7,972-km2 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR), especially in its accessible portions. Lynx harvest during the anticipated peak population (1983-84) was > 80% below that of the last peak (1973-74) despite increased trapping effort, adequate habitat, and abundant prey. The majority (66%) of lynx taken from 1977-84 came from remote habitats rather than accessible, prey-abundant habitats. Radio-collared lynx mortality, primarily from trapping, increased from 41 to 86% between 2 trapping seasons (1982-83 and 1983-84) and totaled 90% during 649 days (1982-84). Mortality rates were higher for adult males (88%) than adult females (45%). Two radio-collared adult females with young used 50- and 89-km2 areas while 2 adult males used 64- and 783-km2 areas. Lowland (129 m) forest in a 1947-burned area and upland (346 m) transitional habitats were utilized by lynx. Estimated snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) densities were as high as 1,233/km2 in a 1947-burned forest during 1983 and 1984. Low lynx numbers and harvest and other data, despite abundant habitat and prey, indicated a depressed lynx population. Management implications and actions taken are discussed.