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For Immediate Release
Defenders of Wildlife Helps Track the Elusive Bobcat
Trenton, NJ – Defenders of Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey are working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife, Endangered and Nongame Species Program to recruit and train volunteer citizens to help track the movements of bobcats in the state's northwest region. The data they collect will help state biologists develop a long-term survival strategy for the cat, an endangered species in the state.
"This is an excellent opportunity to forge new conservation partnerships to save a species that faces extinction," said DEP Fish and Wildlife Director Martin McHugh.
Through training workshops, 40-50 citizen volunteers will learn how to assist biologists in a variety of field tasks including setting, baiting and checking cages, setting and monitoring motion sensitive cameras and data recording. Most of the monitoring will occur in Warren, Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties. The end goal is to develop and refine a predictive model that will enable biologists to identify suitable bobcat habitat.
"This program offers regular citizens an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and first-hand knowledge about bobcat ecology and biology," stated Nina Fascione, Vice President of Field Conservation Programs for Defenders of Wildlife. "We're happy to help make this project a reality by recruiting volunteers and providing financial support for staff and equipment. With all these components coming together, this program is sure to be a success."
Support for this project is provided through Defenders of Wildlife's Earth Friends Wild Species Fund, which helps protect and restore our nation's imperiled wildlife
Twenty-four of the mid-sized carnivores were reintroduced into the state's northernmost region between 1978 and 1982. Since then, there's been very little information or data kept on the animals' whereabouts. The exact number living in the area is currently unknown. The Bobcat Project will help to identify population numbers.
"We are honored to be working with Defenders of Wildlife to help us learn more about these beautiful, shy and elusive animals. By recruiting volunteers to help us, not only do we benefit from their data, but we help inspire citizens to learn about rare wildlife and foster stewardship of the environment," stated Linda Tesauro, Executive Director of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, the non-profit arm of the Endangered and Nongame Species Program.
Bobcats are roughly twice the size of housecats. Adult males can weigh up to 40 pounds and females can get up to 33 pounds. Bobcats are generally solitary, secret creatures that are rarely observed. Their territory typically ranges from 8 to 20 square miles. Bobcats rarely cause any kind of conflict with humans.
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