Bobcats and GPS collars

So I decided I couldn't wait for a photo or two. Here is the first female from July 2011. She seemed a little chubby to me, but subsequent locations didn't seem to indicate she had kittens.




This is the first male captured and collared in June 2011.



Both bobcats were fitted with Sirtrack GPS collars taking locations every 2 hours.

Four bobcats collared, three collars recovered

So a recent post has reminded me that I have completely forgotten to update this blog. I am a little better at putting updates (as well as other RL blather) on my new Twitter account @jen_saves_cats.

Since beginning bobcat trapping in June, I have captured two adult females and two adult males. Three of those 4 collars have already released at the end of their set time period. I'll post some maps soon of the GPS locations. Each of the collars took between 400-600 locations!! This data will give us insight into how bobcats use the highly managed and manipulated cattle ranches in South Texas. Bobcats are an important predator who can help regulate the ecosystem through both top-down and bottom-up processes by preying on herbivorous animals like rabbits, rodents and quail.

Photos and maps soon, I promise!