Habitat

    The Lynx rufus has to capacity to thrive in a wide variety of areas. The bobcat’s habitat spans through North America covering east to west and from southern Mexico to Canada (Hygnstrom 2008). Rocky regions interspersed with crops are preferred by the bobcat, but they also dwell in forests, suburban areas, swamps, and desserts (Baugh 2011).            
    The reigns that the Lynx rufus inhabits are very diverse. The terrestrial biomes where they can be found are the dessert, savanna, chaparral, forest, and mountains. Each environment is very unique and ranges greatly in its conditions (Animal Diversity Web 2012).

Desert:
The desert accumulates little rainfall, less than 30 cm a year, and is sparsely integrated with vegetation suited for desert conditions. Conditions can range from extreme cold, to extreme warmth and are prone to variation (Animal Diversity Web 2012). Conditions provide minimal protection from the sun and extreme heat, making it hard for large mammals to live here. The primary types of animal that live in the desert are nonmammalian vertebrates (The Animal Spot 2007).

Savanna:
The savanna is a terrestrial biome that is made up primarily of grassland with patches of isolated trees. It is vegetated with lots of green; temperatures remain warm all year around. The savanna is defined by a season of rainfall, where 15-20inches will accumulate during this time. Species are very diverse in the savanna because they can be supported by the environment of the savanna (Animal Diversity Web 2012).

Chaparral:
The chaparral biome has a diverse set if terrain. From flat plains, rocky hills, to mountain slopes, the chaparral is distinguished by the patterns of hot and dry. Winters are mild and summers are very hot (The Animal Spot 2007). Organisms that live in the chaparral biome have adapted to the hot and dry – vegetation is often dense and spiny (Animal Diversity Web 2012).

Forest:
The forest biome is defined by the large amount of trees and its fertile soil. This biome experiences all four seasons and receives about 30 to 60 inches of rainfall a year (Animal Diversity Web 2012). Animals hibernate during the winter months and survive off the land during the rest of the year. The environment provides good protection for animals and is a survival source for many of the Animals (The Animal Spot 2007).

Mountains:
The terrestrial biome of the mountains has high and low elevations. Weather conditions and environment is highly based upon the elevation and area of the mountain. The higher the altitude in the mountains, the cooler the conditions it has. There is more rainfall seen in the valleys and low lying areas of the mountains (Barrow 2013). Animals, such as bobcat can survive in this environment by preying on other animals, such as birds and other small mammals (National Park Service 2013).

     Bobcats occupy “dens” as part of their habit; one bobcat usually has several of these. There are two types of dens -- main dens and auxiliary dens. Main dens are the home base of the bobcat; these are most visited and provide the most protection. Main dens are made of hollow trees, logs, hidden caves, or rocks. Auxiliary dens are less visited and are more temporary housing sites. Auxiliary dens are made up of brush, rock ledges, or stumps (Defenders of Wildlife 2013).   The bobcat will claim domain by warning predators with sediments of feces, urine, and distinct marks where they roam (Baugh 2011). They claim a region that is 2-7 miles large where no other bobcats will live; this is known as their “home range” (Serieys 2011). The bobcat will roam their area and take refuge in their main and auxiliary dens. The den is a place for sleeping, primary during the day, and eating when they capture prey (Defenders of Wildlife 2013).           
    Humans have greatly affected the bobcat’s habitat over the years by being their biggest enemy. Forest clearing and the development of rural areas have caused the bobcat’s territory to change. In 1969, bobcats were considered to be a rare species, but years after were able to adapt to changes and be removed from this list in 2005.  Even though the natural habitat of the Lynx rufus has greatly changed, the bobcat has adapted to the environment and increases their population (State of Indiana 2013).

 To continue to learn about the Lynx rufus check out the Nutrition Page.