October 23, 2003

As Iowa's bobcat population rises,
wildlife diversity project begins

Kelly Allen
digital iowa staff reporter
Drake University

DES MOINES, Iowa--The Lynx Rufus, more commonly known as the bobcat, has recently increased in numbers in Iowa.

A project known as the Wildlife Research and Surveys in Iowa requires the joint efforts of Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials and Iowa State University personnel to study and report on Iowa's bobcat population.

The goal is to enable DNR biologists to conserve and manage Iowa's bobcat population. Research from the project will supply population data to help the DNR provide appropriate changes in the bobcat protection status, as well as enable officials to set harvest regulations should the hunting of bobcats ever become legal in Iowa.

Over the past few years, Iowa's bobcat population increased. Todd Gosselink, from the Iowa DNR and head of the research project, said that although there are no concrete population numbers, more bobcat sightings and incidental bobcat trappings have been reported in the last few years.

Gosselink said the increase can primarily be attributed to species protection. "Bobcats were over-hunted in settlement times and have started to filter back into Iowa from surrounding states with higher population numbers, primarily Missouri," he said.

In 1977, the bobcat was considered an endangered species in Iowa, and not until 2001 was it lowered to the threatened species roster. In 2002 and 2003, the number of sightings, roadkills and incidental captures of the bobcat across the state led to the removal of the bobcat from the threatened list.

"Bobcats are making a tremendous comeback in Iowa, and it is no longer fair to justify them as a threatened species," Gosselink reported. While bobcats are no longer classified as endangered or threatened, they will remain in a protected status. This means that at this time, no hunting or trapping of the species will be allowed.

Because the most common reports of bobcat sightings have occurred in southern Iowa, the study will initially focus around the Chariton research station in Warren, Marion, Clarke, Lucas, Decatur and Wayne counties. However, according to the project proposal, the three most important factors in determining the areas for study are: "(1) reports of bobcat sightings and incidental trappings; (2) the presence of public wildlife areas and blocks of forest; and (3) potential density of bobcats."

Gosselink said that aside from population information about bobcats, the wildlife diversity program hopes to learn more about the survival rates, mortality causes, habitat use, spatial use and movement patterns among Iowa's bobcats.

Gosselink reported that Iowa should look forward to the continued growth of its bobcat population, not only for the diversity it brings to Iowa's wildlife, but also because "bobcats are important in controlling 'pest' species," Gosselink said.

"They eat primarily rodents, rabbits and squirrels. By keeping these prey species numbers down, less disease will be present in the different prey species," he said.

Such prey species include the squirrel, which has suffered increased outbreaks of the disease mange when the population numbers are high.

Iowans who accidentally capture a bobcat should contact their local conservation officer; sightings can be reported at 641-774-2958. Gosselink also stated that the DNR is keeping its own reports on bobcats. "We are sending out bobcat sighting postcards to trappers and DNR personnel," he said. This is the first official survey for bobcats in Iowa, and the DNR has already begun to receive positive feedback.

Conservation and management are vital to the future of Iowa's Lynx Rufus, and the Iowa DNR looks optimistically into the future regarding the overall administration of its bobcat program.