Revealing functional responses in habitat selection of rocky features and rugged terrain by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using LiDAR data

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60460709%3A41320%2F24%3A100450" target="_blank" >RIV/60460709:41320/24:100450 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10980-024-01923-y" target="_blank" >http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10980-024-01923-y</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10980-024-01923-y" target="_blank" >10.1007/s10980-024-01923-y</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Revealing functional responses in habitat selection of rocky features and rugged terrain by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using LiDAR data

Original language description

Context Many carnivores are attracted to rugged terrain, rocky areas, and conspicuous relief features. However, most of the previous research is limited to general topographical habitat characteristics and rarely consider the effects of microhabitat characteristics. Objectives We used the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) as a model species to investigate the effects of microhabitat characteristics and human infrastructure on habitat selection. We also tested whether there is evidence for a functional response in habitat selection across a large gradient of habitat availability. Methods We developed a new approach for detecting rocky outcrops from airborne LiDAR data. In combination with other remote sensing techniques and GPS-telemetry data, we assessed lynx habitat selection and functional responses across two geologically contrasting areas in Europe. Results We detected > 1 million rocky outcrops and confirmed their strong selection by lynx. Lynx also selected steep, rugged, and rocky areas, especially for day-resting sites. Furthermore, lynx avoided paths during the day but selected them and other linear anthropogenic infrastructure during the night, indicating the behaviour-specific impact of human infrastructure. We also observed a functional response in the selection of rocky and rugged areas, as lynx' selection of such habitats increased with their lower availability. This highlights the importance of preserving such terrains, especially when they are rare in a landscape. Conclusions Our results highlight the importance of incorporating remote sensing techniques and data on microhabitat features in animal habitat selection research. We also recommend caution when developing new infrastructure for human recreation or promoting its use near geomorphological features and in rugged terrain.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

10600 - Biological sciences

Project

—

Continuities

S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach

Publication year

2024

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Landscape Ecology

ISSN

0921-2973

e-ISSN

0921-2973

Volume of the periodical

39

Issue of the periodical within the volume

7.0

Country of publishing house

US - UNITED STATES

Number of pages

21

Pages from-to

1-21

UT code for WoS article

001251997200002

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-85196377233