Using GPS Radiotelemetry Locations to Interpret Road and Trail Use by Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) in Minnesota

Abstract

The continental United States, including Minnesota, represents the southern extent of the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) range. Based on 6 years of radiotelemetry data for lynx in the Superior National Forest, I examined methods for addressing data gaps common to GPS monitoring of free-ranging animals, and examined the use of road infrastructure by lynx within their home ranges. I found that the midpoint between successful locations more accurately estimated the position and cover type of missed locations than imputation using known movement angles and distances. Based on 4,500 GPS locations from 7 individuals, I also found that 3% of lynx locations within seasonal home ranges occurred on roads and trails and lynx crossed road features about 3 times/day. When compared to random locations, lynx were not closer to road infrastructure at the home range scale, but may have been selecting for road infrastructure within 50 m of road features.