Many plants and animals in Maine are living on the edge of their normal range, the northern boundary for some species and the southern extreme for other ones. This creates an incredibly rich array of plants and wildlife, exciting for outdoor folks who roam our woods and water.

At one moment, we may view a critter normally associated with the Arctic or sub arctic such as an Arctic tern, and the next, see a species from more tropical areas such as a leatherback turtle.

This diversity creates an interesting problem, though. Some species that were never numerous in the state because they are living on the extreme edge of their habitat become listed as endangered or threatened. Next, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W), already strapped financially, ends up spending money it doesn't have, studying and managing a species that never was abundant in Maine, thanks to limited habitat, not the hand of man.

Canada lynx is a perfect example. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the lynx as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Related to the bobcat, this large feline has historically called Maine home. But, according to DIF&W, it has always been rare and found in the northern and western-mountain regions of the state. If this animal winds up on the threatened species list, this state must deal with tighter regulations that may affect the hunting of other species.

Canada lynx feed primarily on varying hares, which thrive in thick growth created by saplings and sprouts that typically follow tree-cutting operations. In short, evidence suggests that old-growth forests is poor habitat for lynx. In short, man may be helping lynx in Maine and in the two other U.S. states where lynx are found, Montana and Washington.

Old-growth forests are disappearing in these two western states. Some people have criticized DIF&W for not studying lynx, but monies for funding this Department come almost solely from sports folks. You can bet most of them prefer studies be done on more prevalent species such as varying hares or ruffed grouse. Interestingly, DIF&W has done little study on these two critters, extremely popular with hunters. DIF&W biologists readily admit they have little data on hares or grouse.

The lines are drawn between people who want more work done on lynx and those folks who desire more studies on popular species. In the end, the U.S. Government will have last say on future policies dealing with Canada lynx, and at the moment, are planning hearings for public input.

July 28, 1998:
Canada Lynx Rare in Maine