Microhabitat use by bobcats in southern Illinois

Numerous studies have described bobcat (Lynx rufus) habitat use at the home-range level based on habitat types, yet few have quantified microhabitat at exact locations used by bobcats. Small-scale variation within habitat types may affect the quality of bob(at resting locations, prey habitat, or den sites within designated habitat type classifications. We measured microhabitat variables at 121 locations used by bobcats and compared them (1) between seasons and (2) to random locations to identify habitat variables that increased the site suitability for bobcat use. Univariate comparisons and stepwise logistic regression were used to identify microhabitat characteristics distinguishing use locations between seasons and from random locations. Summer locations were characterized by 32% thicker vegetative cover, 58% higher understory stern density,;And were near rock outcroppings 14% less often than near random locations. Winter locations were associated with 127% higher understory stern density, and 5% higher log-wood ground cover compared with random locations. Whereas Univariate seasonal comparisons identified only higher (14% vs. 10%) winter percentages of log-wood ground cover as significant, multivariate seasonal comparisons revealed increased importance during winter of multiple features providing structural cover given the lack of herbaceous growth and foliage. In general, use locations were characterized by a dense understory during both seasons and >50% vertical vegetative cover during summer, likely resulting from selection for diurnal resting locations with adequate cover. Contrary to results from previous studies, rock outcroppings did not emerge as a distinguishing component of locations used by bobcats. Bobcats used areas close to permanent water features relative to random locations (hiring both winter and summer (66% and 31% closer, respectively). Large variation in microhabitat characteristics utilized by monitored bobcats possibly resulted in the observed classification rates of 59.3-70.0% correct for all logistic models. Results of our study offer insight into the potential importance of various small-scale habitat characteristics for bobcats, and how their importance may vary given available landscape features and habitat composition.