CPW embarked on the first-ever lynx reintroduction effort in the 1990s and early 2000s. Lynx were once far more prevalent in Colorado as late as the 1800s but populations declined throughout the 1900s until they were extirpated by the 1970s.
The first 96 lynx reintroduced to Colorado were released in Creede and north of Durango not far from where I sit today. In all, CPW reintroduced more than 200 lynx across seven years and now maintains a stable population of 75 to 150 today.
Known as the “Shadows of the Forest,” it is rare for anyone to spot a lynx in the wild in Colorado. So how does CPW keep tabs on the lynx population?
District wildlife managers, biologists and researchers drive, hike and sometimes even run deep into the forest each year to place trail cameras. The following summer, they return to retrieve the cameras hoping they have captured images of lynx that were drawn in by scent or visual lures that play to the natural curiosity of cats. CPW and partners such as national forest rangers also search the snow every winter for lynx tracks.
It can be intensive work, but the lessons learned from the decade of lynx monitoring have led to new revelations and understanding of lynx, their prey and their habitat that will help wildlife agencies across North America better manage this state endangered and federally threatened species.
To better explain what makes the lynx program so unique and to detail CPW’s findings, we sit down with Wildlife Research Scientist Jake Ivan, one of CPW’s experts on the subject.
Give this episode a listen and learn how the lynx program was first formulated, key findings related to lynx habitat and what other species benefit or negatively impact these cats.
Podcast hosted by John Livingston and edited by Ted Mitchell. Art19 is the host platform, and people can also find the podcast online at https://art19.com/shows/colorado-outdoors
