Revealing functional responses in habitat selection of rocky features and rugged terrain by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using LiDAR data
Abstract: 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
- Location
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Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
- Extent
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Online-Ressource
- Language
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Englisch
- Notes
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Landscape ecology. - 39, 7 (2024) , 121, ISSN: 1572-9761
- Event
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Veröffentlichung
- (where)
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Freiburg
- (who)
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Universität
- (when)
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2024
- Creator
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Čonč, Špela
Oliveira, Teresa
Belotti, Elisa
Bufka, Luděk
Černe, Rok
Heurich, Marco
Breg Valjavec, Mateja
Krofel, Miha
- DOI
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10.1007/s10980-024-01923-y
- URN
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urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-2581126
- Rights
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Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
- Last update
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15.08.2025, 7:29 AM CEST
Data provider
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek. If you have any questions about the object, please contact the data provider.
Associated
- Čonč, Špela
- Oliveira, Teresa
- Belotti, Elisa
- Bufka, Luděk
- Černe, Rok
- Heurich, Marco
- Breg Valjavec, Mateja
- Krofel, Miha
- Universität
Time of origin
- 2024
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Revealing functional responses in habitat selection of rocky features and rugged terrain by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using LiDAR data
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Evaluation of six digital camera models for the use in capture-recapture sampling of Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
Revealing functional responses in habitat selection of rocky features and rugged terrain by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using LiDAR data
Recreational activities affect resting site selection and foraging time of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)
Humans rather than Eurasian lynx (lynx lynx) shape ungulate browsing patterns in a temperate forest
Demography of a Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) population within a strictly protected area in Central Europe
Integrating animal tracking datasets at a continental scale for mapping Eurasian lynx habitat
Ecological and intrinsic drivers of foraging parameters of Eurasian lynx at a continental scale
Habitat selection by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is primarily driven by avoidance of human activity during day and prey availability during night
Where, why and how carnivores kill domestic animals in different parts of their ranges: an example of the Eurasian lynx
Update of the helminth fauna in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Poland
Rehabilitation and release of orphaned Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Europe: implications for management and conservation
In situ feeding as a new management tool to conserve orphaned Eurasian lynx (lynx lynx)
Evaluation of six digital camera models for the use in capture-recapture sampling of Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
Revealing functional responses in habitat selection of rocky features and rugged terrain by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using LiDAR data
Recreational activities affect resting site selection and foraging time of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)
Humans rather than Eurasian lynx (lynx lynx) shape ungulate browsing patterns in a temperate forest
Demography of a Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) population within a strictly protected area in Central Europe
Integrating animal tracking datasets at a continental scale for mapping Eurasian lynx habitat
Ecological and intrinsic drivers of foraging parameters of Eurasian lynx at a continental scale
Habitat selection by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is primarily driven by avoidance of human activity during day and prey availability during night
Where, why and how carnivores kill domestic animals in different parts of their ranges: an example of the Eurasian lynx