Reply to Thornton and Murray: Models for Canada lynx conservation planning require nuance

Jacob S. Ivan; Karen E. Hodges; Joseph D. Holbrook; Ron A. Moen; Lucretia E. E. Olson; John R. Squires; Jennifer H. Vashon

doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110836

Treesearch

Reply to Thornton and Murray: Models for Canada lynx conservation planning require nuance

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Jacob S. Ivan, Karen E. Hodges, Joseph D. Holbrook, Ron A. Moen, Lucretia E. E. Olson, John R. Squires, Jennifer H. Vashon

Year:

2024

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110836

Source:

Biological Conservation. 299: 110836.

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Abstract

Thornton and Murray (2024; hereafter TM) sought to further our understanding of historical and future Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) habitat in the contiguous USA to guard against shifting baseline syndrome and aid conservation planning for this federally threatened species. We commend the intent of this exercise, however several issues limit the application of TM to lynx conservation, including model design and validation, extensive extrapolation, ambiguous source data, and plausibility of the results.

Keywords

Canada lynx, Lynx canadensis, conservation

Citation

Ivan, Jacob S.; Hodges, Karen E.; Holbrook, Joseph D.; Moen, Ron A.; Olson, Lucretia E.; Squires, John R.; Vashon, Jennifer H. 2024. Reply to Thornton and Murray: Models for Canada lynx conservation planning require nuance. Biological Conservation. 299: 110836.