Recent research published in the journal Biological Conservation suggests that a broader consideration of the past could lead to a brighter future for Canada lynx in the United States. The study, conducted by wildlife ecologist Dan Thornton from Washington State University and Dennis Murray from Trent University in Canada, used a model validated by historical records to determine that lynx may have had a larger distribution in the U.S. in 1900 than they do today. By understanding the historic range of the species, researchers hope to improve conservation efforts and help prevent the acceptance of a degraded environment as normal.
Canada lynx are currently only found in limited northern areas of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, and Maine in the U.S. Their numbers have declined significantly, leading to the development of recovery plans that have been based on the assumption that the lynx’s range was always limited to these areas. However, the researchers’ model suggests that lynx may have roamed across the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes region, and parts of New England in the past. This new understanding of the lynx’s historic distribution has implications not only for lynx conservation but also for other threatened species.
The model created by Thornton and Murray uses factors such as temperature, precipitation, and land use to determine suitable lynx habitat. By running the model back to 1900 using historical climate and land use data, the researchers were able to validate their findings with records from museums and hunters. Projecting into the future of 2050 and 2070, the model indicates that areas in central Idaho, northern Utah, and Yellowstone National Park could provide suitable habitat for lynx, even with the effects of climate change. Further research would be needed to determine if these areas could support viable lynx populations.
Conserving lynx is crucial for maintaining forest ecosystem integrity, as they are considered key predators in these environments. The researchers emphasize the importance of considering historic range in conservation efforts, as it can provide valuable insights into species’ past distributions and potential future habitats. By proposing this new approach to estimating historic range, the researchers hope to inform conservation efforts for other species facing similar challenges. The study received support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Overall, the research suggests that by looking at the past distribution of Canada lynx, conservation efforts can be better targeted to ensure the species’ future survival. Understanding where lynx historically existed can help prevent the normalization of degraded habitats and support efforts to restore the species to its former range. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of considering historic range in conservation planning for other threatened species, providing a potential model for estimating past distributions and guiding future conservation efforts.
