COYOTE AND BOBCAT RESPONSES TO INTEGRATED RANCH MANAGEMENT-PRACTICES IN SOUTH TEXAS

Predator use of La Copita Research Area, a 1,093-ha ranch in south Texas, was determined from 2,037 telemetry locations of 11 coyotes [Canis latrans] and 5 bobcats [Felis rufus] and numerous sightings of uncollared predators from May 1985 through September 1986. Predator home ranges were small, approximately 3 km2 for both species, and densities were high despite intensive management operations and high levels of human activity. Slight avoidance by predators of cattle and the short duration grazing system was indicated. Roads and fencelines did not defer predator home range establishment and were used as travel lanes and hunting areas. Predators with established home rangers were highly mobile and moved between ranches. Thus, on small ranches in south Texas, management practices conducted on 1 ranch will likely influence predator use of the neighboring ranches as well.