HELENA, Mont. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced yesterday that it will be conducting a Five-Year Status Review under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the contiguous United States distinct population segment (DPS) of the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis). The Five-Year Status Review will clarify the extent, magnitude, and nature of the threats to the lynx DPS so that recovery planning may target those specific threats.
Lynx are highly specialized predators that are dependent on snowshoe hares as a food source. The North American distribution of the lynx overlaps much of the range of the snowshoe hare, and both are strongly associated with boreal forests.
Over the next several months, the Service will gather and analyze available information on the lynx as part of its Five-Year Status Review process for the species in the contiguous United States. The Service will use the best-available scientific and commercial data in developing its report, which will ensure that its review will be as accurate and complete as possible. We plan to complete the Five-Year Review by June of 2015.
At this time, the Service is seeking additional information and data from the scientific community and the public in the following areas:
General information concerning the taxonomy, biology, ecology, genetics, and status of the lynx in the contiguous United States;
Specific information on the conservation status of lynx, including information on distribution, abundance, and population trends;
Specific information on threats to the lynx DPS, including: (1) the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (2) overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes; (3) disease or predation; (4) the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; and (5) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence;
Specific information on conservation actions that have improved lynx habitat or reduced threats to lynx in the contiguous United States and in southern Canada;
Habitat selection, use, and any changes or trends in the amount and distribution of lynx and snowshoe hare habitat in the contiguous United States and in southern Canada.
The Service requests that pertinent information be provided as soon as possible, and not later than February 1, 2015, to ensure we have adequate time to consider it during the review. All data and information submitted to the Service – including names and addresses – will become part of the record for this review, and may be made public. Information should be submitted to Jim Zelenak of the Service’s Montana Ecological Services Field Office at:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.
