Common Dynamic Structure of Canada Lynx Populations Within Three Climatic Regions

• DOI: 10.1126/science.285.5430.1071
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T09:37:20Z
• Authors: Nils Chr. Stenseth; Kung-Sik Chan; Howell Tong; Rudy Boonstra; Stan Boutin; Charles J. Krebs; Eric Post; Mark O'Donoghue; Nigel G. Yoccoz; Mads C. Forchhammer; James W. Hurrell
• Keywords: Population Structure

Across the boreal forest of Canada, lynx populations undergo regular density cycles. Analysis 21 time series from 1821 onward demonstrated structural similarity in these cycles within large regions Canada. The observed population dynamics are consistent with a regional structure caused by climatic features, resulting grouping into three types (corresponding to climatic-based geographic regions): Pacific-maritime, Continental, and Atlantic-maritime. A possible link North Atlantic Oscillation is suggested.