20.500.12556/RUL-159000 Revealing functional responses in habitat selection of rocky features and rugged terrain by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using LiDAR data Context Many carnivores are attracted to rugged terrain, rocky areas, and conspicuous relief features. However, most of the previous research is limited to general topographical habitat characteristics and rarely consider the effects of microhabitat characteristics. Objectives We used the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) as a model species to investigate the effects of microhabitat characteristics and human infrastructure on habitat selection. We also tested whether there is evidence for a functional response in habitat selection across a large gradient of habitat availability. Methods We developed a new approach for detecting rocky outcrops from airborne LiDAR data. In combination with other remote sensing techniques and GPS-telemetry data, we assessed lynx habitat selection and functional responses across two geologically contrasting areas in Europe. Results We detected >1 million rocky outcrops and confirmed their strong selection by lynx. Lynx also selected steep, rugged, and rocky areas, especially for day-resting sites. Furthermore, lynx avoided paths during the day but selected them and other linear anthropogenic infrastructure during the night, indicating the behaviour-specific impact of human infrastructure. We also observed a functional response in the selection of rocky and rugged areas, as lynx’ selection of such habitats increased with their lower availability. This highlights the importance of preserving such terrains, especially when they are rare in a landscape. Conclusions Our results highlight the importance of incorporating remote sensing techniques and data on microhabitat features in animal habitat selection research. We also recommend caution when developing new infrastructure for human recreation or promoting its use near geomorphological features and in rugged terrain. zoogeography Lynx lynx animal habitat relief geography remote sensing LiDAR rocky outcrops space use carnivores zoogeografija navadni ris živalski habitat relief geografija daljinsko zaznavanje true false true Angleški jezik Slovenski jezik Članek v reviji 2024-06-27 10:08:30 2024-06-27 10:08:31 2024-07-07 03:34:25 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2024 0 0 21 str. iss. 7, art. 121 Vol. 39 2024 0000-00-00 Zaloznikova Objavljeno NiDoloceno 0000-00-00 0000-00-00 0000-00-00 911.2:551.435.82:591.52 0921-2973 10.1007/s10980-024-01923-y 199941635 s10980-024-01923-y.pdf s10980-024-01923-y.pdf 1 9AB2B463849C2A6D02F078A15421C756 fa8372c267dcdd7e39927a9510900d8c366b6aa0fcfa8579ad7c662f0c6465c5 ac6b698c-345c-11ef-9572-0050569b8976 https://repozitorij.uni-lj.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=186751 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10980-024-01923-y 0 9f2ddb11-345c-11ef-9572-0050569b8976 https://repozitorij.uni-lj.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=186749 Biotehniška fakulteta 0 0 0