Non-Invasive Detection of Bobcats and Coyotes in Texas’ Blackland Prairie Remnants

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological and Environmental Sciences

Date of Award

8-14-2024

Abstract

Urban sprawling has led to decreased wildlife territories due to fragmentation, reduction of natural habitats, and an increase of human-wildlife conflicts (Eötvös et al. 2018). Texas’ population is expected to double by 2050 with considerable increased urbanization (Texas Demographic Center 2019). The impact of this on wildlife is not well studied within the Blackland Prairie Ecoregion. Mammalian predators, like bobcats (Lynx rufus) and coyotes (Canis latrans), play vital roles in the ecosystem and therefore can help evaluate the status of the local environment. Due to their elusive nature, motion-triggered cameras can be beneficial in bobcat and coyote detection. For this study, I recorded the activity of bobcats and coyotes in urban and rural study sites in the Blackland Prairie Ecoregion using motion triggered cameras from March 2023 to October 2023, observing activity at varying times of day and year. I hypothesized a positive correlation with bobcats and coyotes in rural areas, and more coyote activity than bobcat. More bobcats and coyotes were detected in my rural study site (n=114) than the urban one (n=34) but showed no statistical difference (p=0.08). More bobcat activity was observed in the afternoon in the urban setting (20%) than rural (7%), which conflicts with other research. I was unable to confirm greater coyote activity than bobcats in my rural study sight, but my hypothesis was supported at my urban study site. (p= 0.72 and p= 0.04, respectively). Further research should include a larger sample size to increase statistical confidence and consider other factors like human activity and weather.

Advisor

Lani Lyman-Henley

Subject Categories

Biology | Life Sciences

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