- Dataset overview: fix(original)
- It is difficult to document the continued presence of lynx in areas with these data, as staff time and survey areas change from year to year (i.e. it is not that uncommon for areas previously visited by staff to not be visited the next year). The fact that lynx are not observed in an area should not be inferred as absence. In recent years, the frequency of lynx sign has precluded regional biologists from recording every observation, although staff will document the continued occurrence of lynx in areas previously occupied, as well as, any new areas.
- Entity and attribute detail citation:
- LYNX STUDY-TELEMETRY DATA
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- Since March of 1999, we have monitored 62 radio collared lynx in an around the Musquacook Lakes area. The intensity of data for this area reflects an intensive field research effort (9 years) and not the value of this area to lynx, as other areas may have similar lynx densities, but lack intensive research efforts.
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- VHF telemetry data: From 1999-2006, aerial telemetry locations of radio collared lynx was the primary method of obtaining locational data. Pilots marked each lynx location with a GPS and pilot telemetry error was between 50 and 100 m. In 2006, our budget restricted the number of flights, thus we relied mostly on satellite (n=7) and GPS collars (n=7) to provide information on lynx movements.
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- Please note: 2 lynx captured by fur trappers outside the lynx study area were equipped with VHF radio collars: one animal near Smyrna Mills, ME (SE cluster of points) and the other near New Sweden, ME (NE cluster of pts).
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- Satellite telemetry data (2004-present): Juvenile lynx are difficult to track from aircraft, thus satellite collars were placed on 1-7 juvenile lynx each year since 2004. Satellite collars were programmed to obtain 3 fixes every 2 days. Each satellite location is provided an associated estimated accuracy based on the successful communication with multiple satellites (up to 24 satellites are available). Only locations with <1,000m accuracy were included. The most accurate locations were within 150m of the animal's true location.
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- GPS telemetry data(2004-07): Ten resident adult lynx previously monitored with VHF collars were equipped with GPS collars for 1 or more years from 2004-2007. GPS collars were programmed to obtain between 1 and 4 locations/day cycling through the 24 hr clock. Approximately 60% of fix attempts producing a location. Each location has an associated level of accuracy (dilution of precision (DOP). These data have been screened for accuracy (DOP >12 removed (5% of locations); R. Moen, personal communication).
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- ECOREGIONAL SURVEYS
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- During the winters of 2003-08, standardized winter snow track surveys were conducted in 91 townships in northern, western, and central Maine to further document the current distribution of lynx in Maine. To improve the likelihood that track identification was accurate, we only included lynx track intercepts with a snow track quality (STQ) rating greater than 2. Sixty nine of 91 towns were surveyed under conditions that met our protocol for conducting surveys. Lynx tracks with a STQ> 2 were observed in 27 of 69 towns. Lynx tracks were also observed in 10 of 22 towns survey outside protocol conditions (e.g. <55 km surveyed/100km2 and/or >72 hrs after a snow/wind event); 5 of 10 towns had a STQ > 2. Thus definitive lynx tracks (STQ>2) were documented in 32 of 91 townships surveyed during the winters of 2003-2008. This includes 89 tracks in 14 townships in 2003, 34 tracks in 7 townships in 2004, 6 tracks in 2 townships in 2005, 10 tracks in 1 township in 2006, 37 tracks in 7 towns in 2007, and 16 tracks in 5 townships in 2008. This does not equate to 192 lynx as a single lynx may have made multiple track intercepts along a road. All these points were marked with GPS and were within < 50 m of the actual location (majority <10m error).
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- INCIDENTAL LYNX TAKE REPORTED TO MDIFW
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- This includes 77 records of reported road mortalities, incidental captures of lynx by hunters and trappers, and illegal take of lynx between 1975 and 2007. These data include dead lynx (e.g. road mortalities) and lynx released alive from traps or by hunters. The location of most incidents were recorded with a GPS unit and were within <50 m of the true location. On occasion, a GPS was not available to mark the location of the incident and these data are accurate within the township or specific area (e.g. road intersection) within a town.
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- LYNX SIGHTINGS REPORTED TO OR OBSERVED BY IF&W REGIONAL BIOLOGIST FROM 1992 TO MARCH 2008
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- Most observations were observed directly by the regional biologist while conducting other department activities. The remaining observations were by an individual that the regional biologist deemed qualified to identify a lynx track (e.g. wardens). Observations that are not verified by a biologist or other qualified individuals are not included in the database. Accuracy varies from GPS coordinates to town level. GPS locations are accurate within 50m; most observations were within 10 m of the true location. fix(original)
