|
|
The Division of Wildlife has finalized plans to reintroduce lynx into
Colorado, and the small cats could be on the ground as soon as Feb. 3.
"Restoring lynx to Colorado is part of our long-term strategy to
restore as many species as possible to their native habitats. Colorado
residents have made it clear to us that they support the protection of
our native wildlife species."
— John Mumma,
By early spring, the Division plans to release up to 50 lynx into the San
Juan Mountains. Releases are also planned for the winter of 1999-2000 in
the Gunnison National Forest north of Crested Butte.
"Restoring lynx to Colorado is part of our long-term strategy to restore as
many species as possible to their native habitats," said Division Director
John Mumma. "Colorado residents have made it clear to us that they support
the protection of our native wildlife species."
Lynx once inhabited much of Colorado's high-altitude coniferous forests,
feeding on snowshoe hares and other prey species. Their numbers dwindled in
the 20th century, and the last confirmed lynx sighting was in 1973. The
Colorado Wildlife Commission listed then as a state endangered species in
1976.
Since then, biologists have found paw prints and other signs that may
indicate the presence of lynx, but there have been no confirmed sightings.
The Commission formally approved the reintroduction plan Nov. 12, 1998.
The Commission has also established a $10,000 fund that can be used as
compensation for ranchers and farmers in the unlikely event that lynx
kill or injure livestock.
The reintroduction plan has received support from federal agencies,
conservation and environmental groups and the state's forest products
industry. It calls for lynx to be trapped in western Canada and Alaska.
A contract was signed with British Columbia officials for trapping in
that province.
According to the plan, lynx were captured north of Kamloops, British
Columbia, and held at a facility to allow veterinarians to check their
health and treat them for parasites.
Once their health was confirmed, the lynx were trucked to a holding
facility in southern Colorado where another inspection will take place
on Feb. 1. They will also be fitted with radio collars to allow Division
biologists to track their movements.
If all goes as planned, the first females will be released on Feb. 3,
with the next batch of females being released the following day. The
males' release will depend on how quickly the females establish
territory.
The Division has been working on the recovery of lynx and wolverine --
another native forest carnivore whose numbers have declined -- for more
than a year.
Division surveys have determined that the San Juan Mountains offer the
best habitat for lynx and the greatest chances for successful reintroduction.
Once released, the radio-collared lynx will be closely monitored from the
air and the ground. Division biologists plan to make up to three flights
each week to track the lynx. A ground crew, prepared to withstand the harsh
winter conditions of the San Juans, will monitor their progress as well,
including evaluations of habitat and prey.
Lynx are elusive cats that prefer boreal forests with dense thickets. In
Colorado, their preferred habitat is forested-areas above 8,000 feet on
both sides of the Continental Divide.
Colorado and northern New Mexico are the southern extreme of the lynx habitat.
They are common in western Canada and Alaska, and are currently at the peak of
a population cycle in those areas.
"We need to act quickly to take advantage of the population cycle," said
Division biologist Gene Byrne. "If we miss this opportunity, it could be
another decade before they again reach the peak of their population cycle."
By the Division of Wildlife
January 27, 1999
Officials in British Columbia trapped 11 lynx for relocation to Colorado.
After a veterinarian inspection, the females will be released on private
property sites near north of Wolf Creek Pass along the Continental Divide
in southern Colorado. Once biologists determine that the females have
established territories, the males will be released near the females.
Once biologists determine that the females have established territories,
the males will be released near the females.
Division of Wildlife
Canada Lynx
Lynx canadensis
January 31:
1999 ARCHIVES:
DIVISION of WILDLIFE
Lynx Reintroduction Scheduled for Feb. 3
Press Releases