Data from: Spatial segregation and habitat partitioning of bobcat and Canada lynx

Harvest records suggest that the abundance of bobcats (Lynx rufus) has
increased and the leading edge of their distribution has spread northward,
while the trailing edge of the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) range has
contracted in Ontario, Canada. There has been a debate about whether these
closely related felids might compete in areas of sympatry, but there is
little research on sympatric populations of bobcat and lynx. Both species
are found on the north shore of Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada, which
provided an opportunity to investigate their spatial patterns and habitat
use. We surveyed snowmobile routes for snow tracks over 3 winters and
estimated probability of occupancy for the two felid species while
accounting for detectability. Bobcat and lynx tracks were never found on
the same survey route. Bobcat occupancy increased with habitat
heterogeneity whereas lynx occupancy increased with homogeneity. Our
results fit with the common assumption of the generalist and specialist
natures of bobcat and lynx, respectively. Our findings suggest that
bobcats invaded former lynx territory after these areas became vacant. The
story of the bobcat and the lynx is one of the loss of a unique, boreal
specialist due to anthropogenic change, and eventual replacement by an
adaptable generalist.