NEAFWA 2017

AUTHORS: Avery R. Owers, West Virginia University; Thomas F. Rounsville Jr., West Virginia University; Amy B. Welsh, West Virginia University; Rich E. Rogers, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; Christopher W. Ryan, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; James T. Anderson, West Virginia University

ABSTRACT: In an increasingly urbanizing landscape, habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to biodiversity in many terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, physical barriers that alter the movement patterns of species may contribute to a loss of heterozygosity and a decrease in fitness within populations. Because bobcats (Lynx rufus) are highly mobile carnivores, they may be particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. To better inform management efforts, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and West Virginia University are evaluating the health and population demographics of bobcats in West Virginia?"of which this research is a portion. The objectives of this study were to complete statewide population genetics analyses and gain information on the movement patterns of bobcats throughout the state. Spleen samples were collected from roughly 500 individual bobcats, harvested by hunters or trappers throughout West Virginia during the 2014?"2015 and 2015?"2016 season. Microsatellite genotyping was then performed at 9 loci for each sample and genotypes were used to compute Fst values, Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (program GENEPOP), and evaluate population clustering (program STRUCTURE). Findings of this study suggest movement patterns of the state's bobcats, as well as where barriers to movement may occur on the landscape. These findings may be useful in future management decisions regarding West Virginia's bobcat population, as they indicate areas where attention should be focused.