Bobcats are an important indicator species for connectivity of highly fragmented landscapes,but their roll in food webs of highly altered ecosystems have received little attention.

Human-caused disturbance can alter species interactions and can be detrimental for multiple species in an ecosystem. As apex predators, bobcats can influence prey species; such changes at one trophic level can affect others and destabilize food-webs, and substantially alter the ecosystem and its occupants.

This study aims to address questions on top-down and bottom-up causes of bobcat population decline. We are working to establish methods by which to monitor temporal and spatial variations in prey preference in other apex predators, a trophic layer that is collectively exhibiting population decline in the United States in general, and in Southern California in particular.

US Geological Survey

As cities and highways expand to support growing communities, USGS scientists are studying wildlife ecology to inform conservation efforts. Dr. Erin Boydston collaborates with the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and others to study the behaviors and disease ecology of bobcats and other carnivores in southern California

Stable Isotope Analysis

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis (SIA) of animal tissues offers a method that reveals animal foraging through time and space. It offers insight into bobcat prey preference during drought and as a function of proximity to the urban edge

Spatial Analysis

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful tool that lets us visualize, analyze, and interpret data to understand relationships between climate and trends in bobcat prey preference

More on the USGS bobcat project

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