GIS Seminar Series
Statewide modeling of bobcat habitat in Iowa
Stephanie Linde, GIS Graduate Certificate candidate, department of ecology, evolution and organismal biology
Adviser: William Clark

Abstract
Historically, bobcats (Lynx rufus) were widespread throughout North America, but were extirpated from the Corn Belt region in the late 1800s due to habitat loss and unregulated harvest. Since the early 1900s, bobcats have been slowly recolonizing southern Iowa by dispersing from Missouri. Linde used GIS, remotely sensed habitat data, and bobcat location data from sightings by bowhunters to assess the importance of landscape-level factors in predicting favorable bobcat habitat.

Linde created a multiple regression model based on locations where bobcats are known to occur in southern Iowa, and applied it to northern and central Iowa to estimate the amount and spatial distribution of bobcat habitat in the state. The prediction of favorable habitat will provide state wildlife managers with information to contribute to a statewide management plan for bobcats as they continue to spread throughout the state.

This seminar series is sponsored by the GIS Certificate Program administered by the ISU department of community and regional planning. 

Posted By: Heather Sauer on 09/15/09 at 4:57 am