Bobcat and rabbit habitat use in an urban landscape

Abstract

Mammals are known to vary in their sensitivity to urbanization. In heavily urbanized southern California, bobcats (Lynx rufus) prey on rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) that forage for lush vegetation in developed areas. We collected data on the density of rabbits in adjacent urban and natural areas using visual line surveys. We also measured habitat use for seven GPS-collared female bobcats to determine if bobcats selected areas with higher rabbit densities. Estimated rabbit densities did not vary between urban, urban edge, and natural areas during wet or dry seasons, reflecting their consistent presence across the landscape. During daytime and crepuscular hours, bobcats used natural coastal sage scrub and grassland habitats more frequently (76–84% of the time) than urban areas. Conversely, at night, bobcats decreased their use of coastal sage scrub and doubled their time in urban areas. In summary, we found that rabbits were present across the landscape, and bobcats are likely selecting urban areas at night to prey on rabbits and avoid people.