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Monitoring of Eurasian Lynx Reproduction with Camera Traps in Croatia

Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) kittens are mostly born in May - June with their number ranging from 1 to 4 per litter. Kittens that survive until independence leave their mother at the age of about 10 months. In the past years camera traps became the most important tool for lynx research, including monitoring of the reproduction. The aim of this study was to analyze the number of lynx kitten observations on camera traps through three reproductive seasons in Croatia. In the period from June 2018 to December 2021 camera traps were active across almost entire lynx distribution area in Croatia, covering about 6000 km2. Cuddeback Long Range IR camera traps were placed on lynx marking spots, forest roads and animals’ trails on 182 locations. During our study period we observed 91 event of lynx females with 1 (47%), 2 (44%) or 3 kittens (9%). Based on fur spots we identified 38 litters with 65 kittens, averaging 12 litters and 22 kittens per season. Newborn kittens were observed the earliest in July and monitored until April next year. In the period April – June kittens were not recorded on camera traps, and the highest number of events were recorded in November – February period. Litters with three kittens were recorded in August – November period. This research presents the first insight into lynx reproduction in inbred Dinaric lynx population in Croatia. Litters with three or more kittens are probably underrepresented as it is possible that camera traps can not register the entire litter at once. In spite of the small number of 3-kitten litters it is indicative that they are not recorded after November, which might be a consequence of the kitten mortality.

lynx, kittens, season, reproduction

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