Iberian lynx in a fragmented landscape: Predispersal, dispersal, and postdispersal habitats

Applied conservation biology must provide solutions for the conservation of species in modern landscapes, where prime habitats are being continuously fragmented and altered and animals are restricted to small, nonviable popul ations. We studied habitat selection in a fragmented population of endanger ed Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) by examining 14 years of radiotracking data obtained from lynx trapped in two different source areas. Habitat selectio n was studied independently for predispersal lynx in the source areas, for dispersing individuals through the region, and for postdispersing animals, most of which settled far from their point of origin. A multivariate analys is of variance showed that habitat use differed significantly among these p hases and between area of origin, but not between sexes. The habitat type m ost used, and best represented within home ranges, was the mediterranean sc rubland. Pine plantations were also important during and after dispersal. T he rest of the habitats were either avoided (open habitats) or used accordi ng to availability (pine and eucalyptus plantations) by dispersing lynx. Di fferences due to lynx origin were detected only during predispersal and dis persal and were observed because animals from each area had different habit at availability. Lynx with established territories did not use areas at ran dom. They occupied patches of mediterranean scrubland more often than would be expected form scrubland availability during predispersal; the rest of t he habitats were included within home ranges less than would be expected fr om their availability in the landscape. Results indicate that dispersing an imals may use habitats of lower quality than habitats used by resident indi viduals, which suggests that conservation strategies applied across regions might be a viable objective.