The Bobcat and Human Intervention
The Beautiful Lynx Family — Both Big & Small
Contents
- Introduction
- The Beautiful Bobcat: Introductory Photographs
- The Bobcat According To Modern Science
- References
- The Multitalented Bobcat: Examples of Intelligence
- How Bobcats (and All Cats) Aid the Human Species
- References
- The Feline Voice: List of 9 Vocalizations
- The Lynx Genus: 15 Recognized Varieties & More
- Conclusion
The bobcat itself belongs to a surprisingly large, and quite beautiful, variety of family — each differentiated based on their geographic locations, but otherwise quite similar.
The term ‘bobcat’ refers to a single species categorized under the ‘genus’ (‘genus’ is Latin for: subfamily, subspecies/class, group) named ‘Lynx’ — known in full, scientific terms as the ‘Lynx rufus.’
The Beautiful Bobcat: Introductory Photographs
The Bobcat According To Modern Science
This species serves as an indicator for landscape connectivity due to its broad geographic distribution and central role in food webs (Lin et al., 2022).
According to Young et al. (2019), the space use and movement of urban bobcats in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Texas, USA, found that bobcats select more natural habitat areas within urban areas, such as agricultural fields and creeks, and avoid highly anthropogenic features like roads, indicating their ability to navigate built environments and the importance of green space (Young et al., 2019).
Urban land cover, notably impervious surfaces, generally impedes their genetic flow, while natural features like topographic roughness enhance it, highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats within urban settings (Kozakiewicz et al., 2019).
References:
- Lin, M., Escalona, M., Sahasrabudhe, R., Nguyen, O., Beraut, E., Buchalski, M. R., & Wayne, R. (2022). A Reference Genome Assembly of the Bobcat, Lynx rufus. Journal of Heredity, 113(5), 615–623. https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esac031
- Young, J. K., Golla, J., Draper, J. P., Broman, D. J. A., Blankenship, T. L., & Heilbrun, R. D. (2019). Space use and movement of urban bobcats. Animals, 9(5), 275. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9050275
- Kozakiewicz CP, Burridge CP, Funk WC, et al. Urbanization reduces genetic connectivity in bobcats (Lynx rufus) at both intra– and interpopulation spatial scales. Mol Ecol. 2019; 28: 5068–5085. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.15274
The Multitalented Bobcat: Examples of Intelligence
#1. The Power of Survival — Bobcats can survive forests, mountains, swamps, deserts, suburban locations, and even crowded cities.
#2. The Power of Brawn — Bobcats have great physical strength. Because of this, smaller bobcat species can successfully hunt down prey larger than themselves.
#3. The Power of Speech — Bobcats have a wide range of vocalizations — louder and deeper than domestic cats.
#4. The Power of Opportunity & Change — Bobcats are highly opportunistic predators, and this creates a flexible, versatile diet.
If needed, bobcats can adjust their hunting strategies according to changes in their prey patterns.
Bobcats have been witnessed eating squirrels, rabbits, birds such as grouse and quail, mice, rats, voles, and deer.
How Bobcats (and All Cats) Aid the Human Species
While lazy domestic cats may be the last image that comes to mind when thinking of animals that ‘aid’ humanity, however, wild cats prove themselves to be different.
Example #1. Bobcats coexist well with the humans species.
In urban settings, bobcats adjust their behavior to minimize conflict with humans, thereby facilitating coexistence and demonstrating their adaptability to changing environments (Tigas et al., 2002).
Example #2. Bobcats naturally control rodent populations.
The research below has proven that the beautiful bobcat species, by being active hunters during the night, have a substantial impact on keeping smaller mammal populations in check — even in city landscapes.
According to research done by Jahan et al. (2020), the ecological service provided by bobcats in regulating rodent populations not only helps to curtail the spread of various diseases but also supports public health initiatives (Jahan et al., 2020).
Rodents are known for their ability to impact food supplies and transmit diseases (Kasambala et al., 2022).
Example #3. Bobcats naturally balance ecosystems.
By controlling the populations of smaller animals, they prevent overgrazing of vegetation — in turn, promoting biodiversity (Litvaitis & Harrison, 1989).
This indirect influence over Mother Nature ensures that vegetation and other flora are not consumed at a rate faster than the environment can re-grow.
Example #4. Bobcats serve as ‘nature’s alarms.’
Due to being apex carnivorous predators, bobcats act as ‘nature’s alarms,’ signaling changes in norms and potential future dangers within nature’s ecosystems.
The health of bobcats mirrors that of their prey — and by extension, what their prey consumes, Mother Nature.
The knowledge gained from studying the behaviors of the feline family is often used to guide conservation efforts in nature and human environmental policies.
Example #5. Bobcats, along with other feline species, serve as ‘flagship species’ for humanity.
Cats can help draw attention to broader environmental issues.
It’s true.
Capturing the attention of the general public can be challenging, but cats are gifted with a natural ability to do so.
“They’re so cute!” helps nature conservation efforts big time — seriously.
Motivating humanity to address the decline of Mother Nature by highlighting the possibility of the potential extinction of wild felines may indeed increase humanity’s drive.
Therefore, targeted marketing to promote the conservation of the feline species alongside the conservation of natural habitats may actually help to increase the general public’s knowledge on wild cats.
References:
- Kasambala, D. T., Luwieke, B., Nyson, G., & Yonas, M. (2022). Rodents in agriculture and public health in Malawi: Farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Frontiers in Agronomy, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2022.936908
- Jahan, N. A., Lindsey, L. L., & Larsen, P. A. (2021). The role of peridomestic rodents as reservoirs for zoonotic foodborne pathogens. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 21(3), 133–148. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2020.2640
- Tigas, L. A., Van Vuren, D. H., & Sauvajot, R. M. (2002). Behavioral responses of bobcats and coyotes to habitat fragmentation and corridors in an urban environment. Biological Conservation, 108(3), 299–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3207(02)00120-9
- Litvaitis, J. A., & Harrison, D. J. (1989). Bobcat (Lynx rufus) predation patterns and the role of prey size in selective predation. Journal of Animal Ecology, 58(1), 103–122. https://doi.org/10.2307/4992
*Also, I’d like to specially note…
For generations, feline species have been quietly surviving, while indirectly benefiting humanity from the shadows.
To prove this, I’d like to document the following several scientific studies conducted in 1939, 1942, 1945, and 1951, all of which confirm the same facts that we are still proving to be true today in the 21st century:
- 1939 — According to a research study by Hamilton & Hunter (1939) named “Fall and Winter Food Habits of Vermont Bobcats,” the dietary habits of bobcats, manages populations of smaller game species, influencing the health and dynamics of local ecosystems (Hamilton & Hunter, 1939).
- 1942 — While bobcats do occasionally kill deer, they primarily consume carrion left by other predators. This helps control the spread of disease and supports a healthy ecosystem (Marston, 1942).
- 1945 — According to a research study by Rollings (1945) named “Habits, foods, and parasites of the bobcat in Minnesota,” the various ecological impacts of bobcats, including their role in controlling pest populations, indirectly benefits agricultural and community environments (Rollings, 1945).
- 1951 — By controlling the populations of deer and small mammals, bobcats help reduce crop damage and the spread of tick-borne diseases, which can have significant health and economic benefits for humans (Pollack, 1951).
References:
- Hamilton, W. J., & Hunter, W. T. (1939). Fall and Winter Food Habits of Vermont Bobcats. Journal of Wildlife Management, 3(4), 420–428.
- Marston, M. A. (1942). Winter Relations of Bobcats to White-Tailed Deer in Maine. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 6(4), 328–337. https://doi.org/10.2307/3795920
- Rollings, C. T. (1945). Habits, foods and parasites of the bobcat in Minnesota. Journal of Wildlife Management, 9(2), 131–145. https://doi.org/10.2307/3795892
- Pollack, E. M. (1951). Food Habits of the Bobcat in the New England States. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 15(2), 209–213. https://doi.org/10.2307/3796612
The Feline Voice: List of 9 Vocalizations
#1. Vocalization → Hisses
- The Sound: Hissing and can be heard over long distances. (Usually, a display of teeth and retracted lips.)
- The Possible Reasons Why?: As defensive communication — to express fear or irritation.
#2. Vocalization → Screams/Yowls
- The Sound: A loud, prolonged vocalization — yowls are more intense and longer than growls.
- The Possible Reasons Why?: To indicate distress, worry, mating intentions, or announce presences to other competitors in the area.
#3. Vocalization → Growls
- The Sound: Low, guttural vocalizations.
- The Possible Reasons Why?: To indicate threats, displays of aggression, discomfort, or warnings to others.
#4. Vocalization → Spits
- The Sound: Short, explosive sound.
- The Possible Reasons Why?: As defensive communication — meant to startle or ward off intruders.
#5. Vocalization → Meows/Mews
- The Sound: A soft, high-pitched “meow” or “mew.”
- The Possible Reasons Why?: Used for communication between mothers and their kittens, especially pronounced when young — a form of location finding, seeking attention, expressing care, and more.
#6. Vocalization → Purrs
- The Sound: Soft, rumbling purring. (Similar to domestic cats.)
- The Possible Reasons Why?: To indicate a state of relaxation or contentment — more often seen in younger bobcats rather than adults.
#7. Vocalization → Chirps/Chatters
- The Sound: Chirping and chattering, varying in deep, loud pitches. (Similar to domestic cats.)
- The Possible Reasons Why?: Non-aggressive communication utilized between mothers and their kittens, as well as with other bobcats, to convey social cues and intentions.
#8. Vocalization → Barks/Howls
- The Sound: A short, bark-like call.
- The Possible Reasons Why?: To serve as an alarm or alert to changes in the environment. Howling is rarer than barking, and may occur during territorial disputes, or interactions with other bobcats.
#9. Vocalization → Clicks/Whistles
- The Sound: Short, subtle high-pitched sounds.
- The Possible Reasons Why?: Used during close proximity to coordinate movements, maintain contact, ensure group safety, and alert to potential dangers.
The Lynx Genus: 15 Recognized Varieties & More
The lynx family is known for producing a multitude of naturally textured coats, each with different patterns and lovely soft earth-tones that change lightly with the seasons.
Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)
(The Iberian Lynx is the most endangered cat species in the world.)
— Location: Iberian Peninsula in Europe
— Coat: Yellowish-brown with distinctive black spots.
Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
(The largest species of lynx.)
— Location: Europe and Asia
— Coat: Light grey to reddish-brown with faint spots.
Siberian Lynx (Lynx lynx wrangeli)
— Location: Siberia, Russia, and parts of Mongolia and northern China.
— Coat: Pale, greyish-yellow to reddish-brown, with distinct black spots and markings.
Eastern Bobcat (Lynx rufus rufus)
— Location: Eastern United States
— Coat: Tawny or reddish-brown with faint spots.
Florida Bobcat (Lynx rufus floridanus)
— Location: Southeastern United States, particularly Florida.
— Coat: Short and sleek, tan to grayish-brown with sparse spotting.
California Bobcat (Lynx rufus californicus)
— Location: California
— Coat: Variable, typically tan to grayish-brown with distinct spotting.
Bailey’s Bobcat (Lynx rufus baileyi)
— Location: Southwestern United States and Mexico.
— Coat: Lighter in coloration, ranging from light grey to reddish-brown with spotting.
Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis)
— Location: Canada, Alaska, and some parts of the northern United States.
— Coat: Greyish-brown with distinct tufted ears.
Great Lakes Bobcat (Lynx rufus superiorensis)
— Location: Area around the Great Lakes.
— Coat: Dense and soft, varying from pale grey to reddish-brown with spotting.
Texas Bobcat (Lynx rufus texensis)
— Location: Texas and northeastern Mexico.
— Coat: Variable, typically tan to reddish-brown with distinct spotting.
Oaxaca Bobcat (Lynx rufus oaxacensis)
— Location: Oaxaca, Mexico
— Coat: Variable, typically light grey to reddish-brown with faint spotting.
Northern Bobcat (Lynx rufus gigas)
— Location: Northern regions of North America.
— Coat: Dense and thick, ranging from pale grey to reddish-brown with distinct spotting.
Mexican Desert Bobcat (Lynx rufus escuinapae)
— Location: Arid regions of Mexico.
— Coat: Short and coarse, ranging from pale grey to tan with sparse spotting.
Pacific Northwest Bobcat (Lynx rufus fasciatus)
— Location: Pacific Northwest
— Coat: Dense and soft, varying from pale grey to reddish-brown with distinct spotting.
Baja California Bobcat (Lynx rufus peninsularis)
— Location: Baja California Peninsula
— Coat: Tan to reddish-brown with faint spotting.
Whether through newer programs and adaptations into zoos, training for domestication, utilization as mammal education ambassadors in touring programs, studies through technological advancements, or either simply being left to themselves on protected nature reserves, the temperaments and intelligences of the the Lynx family make them valuable to the human species.
Their ways of survival continue to suggest that the Lynx family will continue to harmonize with, and provide benefits to, humanity for years to come.
Thank you — your engagement with my work is deeply appreciated.
Authored, edited, formatted, and researched by E. Silvers.
Discover more from E. Silvers on Medium here.
→ To help support not only bobcat conservation, but all feline life, here are a few reputable organizations to consider connecting with:
- Felidae Conservation Fund: FelidaeFund.org
- Panthera: Panthera.org
- The Cougar Fund: CougarFund.org
- Feline Conservation Foundation: FelineConservation.org
- EveryCat Health Foundation: EveryCat.org
- Big Cats Wild Cats: BigCatsWildCats.com
- International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC) Canada: WildCatConservation.org
- Wild Felid Research & Management Association (WFRMA): WildFelid.org
- Exotic Feline Rescue Center (EFRC): EFRC.org
