Contacts
USDA Forest Service scientists at the Rocky
Mountain Research Station's Wildlife Ecology unit's genetics
laboratory in Missoula, Montana., discovered through DNA analysis
the first scientific evidence of hybridization between the bobcat
and Canada lynx in the wild.
Forest Wildlife Biologist Ed Lindquist of
the Superior National Forest in Northeastern Minnesota collected
tissue and hair samples from 19 cats believed to be Canada lynx.
Two of the cats had external physical characteristics resembling
both species. Lindquist asked the research scientists to conduct
DNA analysis to confirm species identification.
Dr. Michael Schwartz, leader of the
genetics laboratory, designed a test to detect hybridization
between lynx and bobcats. Analysis of the 19 cats' DNA identified
three hybrids. All three were from male bobcats mating with
female lynx. This is the first scientifically confirmed
hybridization reported in wild populations of these species.
As a result of this finding, the Forest
Service has already conducted a DNA analysis of most of the lynx
hair samples collected as part of the national lynx survey to
help determine if hybridization has occurred elsewhere. So far,
no additional instances of hybridization have been detected.
Because so little is known about lynx and
lynx ecology, further research is needed to determine what
implications these findings may have on lynx conservation.
Dr. Len Ruggiero, leader of the wildlife
ecology research unit in Missoula, states that additional
analysis is needed to determine the extent of hybridization.
Additional hair and tissue samples will be collected where Canada
lynx and bobcat populations are known to overlap. DNA samples
from bobcats in those areas should also be studied to identify
hybrids.
The Forest Service and the Fish and
Wildlife Service will continue to use the Lynx Conservation
Assessment and Strategy to guide conservation of the lynx on
federal lands. These guidelines identify actions that will reduce
or eliminate harmful effects or risks to lynx and its habitat.
"We are interested in factors which
may contribute to the occurrence of hybridization, what the
long-term impacts on the lynx populations may be, and how this
may affect future recovery efforts," Fish and Wildlife
Service Regional Director Ralph Morgenweck said, after learning
about the hybridization. "The Fish & Wildlife Service
will closely follow future studies to determine the extent of
hybridization and its impacts on lynx conservation."
The Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, which administers the Endangered Species
Act, listed the Canada lynx in the United States as threatened in
March 2000, in portions of the lower 48 states. A threatened
species is one that is likely to become endangered in the
foreseeable future in all or a significant portion of its range.
Note to editors: Questions and Answers
regarding this issue can be viewed at:
http://www.r6.fws.gov/endspp/lynx/
For additional information contact:
Questions about Lynx Conservation
Agreement, listing status, research application
Fish and Wildlife Service:
Diane Katzenberger 303-236-7917 x408
Lori Nordstrom, 406-449-5225 x208
Georgia Parham 812-334-4261 x 203
Science Questions: DNA analysis,
hybridization, lynx ecology
Forest Service, Research & Development:
Dave Tippets (PAO), 801-625-5434
Len Ruggiero, 406-524-4160
Lynx Conservation Strategy and National
Lynx Survey Questions
Forest Service, National Lynx Survey:
Ed Nesselroad (PAO), 406-240-8052
Kathy McAllister, 406-329-3315
Questions about the hybrid cats found in
Northern Minnesota
Forest Service, Superior National Forest
Kris Reichenbach, (PAO) 218-626-4300
Ed Lindquist, 218-626-4380
Jim Sanders, 218-626-4302
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