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DNA reveals high dispersal synchronizing the population dynamics of Canada lynx

Nature volume 415, pages 520–522 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

Population dynamics of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) have been of interest to ecologists for nearly sixty years1,2,3,4. Two competing hypotheses concerning lynx population dynamics and large-scale spatial synchrony are currently debated. The first suggests that dispersal is substantial among lynx populations5, and the second proposes that lynx at the periphery of their range exist in small, isolated patches that maintain cycle synchrony via correlation with extrinsic environmental factors2. Resolving the nature of lynx population dynamics and dispersal is important both to ecological theory and to the conservation of threatened lynx populations: the lack of knowledge about connectivity between populations at the southern periphery of the lynx's geographic range delayed their legal listing in the United States6. We test these competing hypotheses using microsatellite DNA markers and lynx samples from 17 collection sites in the core and periphery of the lynx's geographic range. Here we show high gene flow despite separation by distances greater than 3,100 km, supporting the dispersal hypothesis. We therefore suggest that management actions in the contiguous United States should focus on maintaining connectivity with the core of the lynx's geographic range.

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Figure 1: The geographic distribution of lynx (in grey).
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Acknowledgements

We thank the following people and institutions for providing samples: C. Apps, T. Bailey, H. Golden, G. Jarrell, J. Cook, M. Hebblewhite, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, J. Kolbe, R. Mulders, B. Naney, R. Oakleaf, L. Roy, B. Scotton, T. Shurry, H. Slama and J. Squires. We thank H. Draheim, B. Adams, B. Theroux, S. Forbes, P. Spruell and K. Pilgrim for laboratory support and advice. This project was funded by the USDA/USFS (grant to L.S.M. and M.K.S.), and NSF (grant to L.S.M.); M.K.S. was additionally funded by a McIntire-Stennis grant, the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station, and the NSF Training-WEB. We thank R. Biek, S. Forbes, G. Luikart, D. Pletscher, M. Poss, D. Tallmon and E. Winer for comments on earlier versions of this manuscript. All pertinent local, national and international permits required for this project are on file at the University of Montana.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wildlife Biology Program, School of Forestry, University of Montana, Missoula, 59812, Montana, USA

    Michael K. Schwartz & L. Scott Mills

  2. USDA/USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station, 800 E. Beckwith, Missoula, 59801, Montana, USA

    Michael K. Schwartz, Kevin S. McKelvey & Leonard F. Ruggiero

  3. Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, 59812, Montana, USA

    Fred W. Allendorf

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  1. Michael K. Schwartz
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Correspondence to Michael K. Schwartz.

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Schwartz, M., Mills, L., McKelvey, K. et al. DNA reveals high dispersal synchronizing the population dynamics of Canada lynx. Nature 415, 520–522 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/415520a

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