Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of a Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae), in Volyn Polissia, Ukraine: First GPS-GSM Telemetry Findings
In landscapes affected by human activity, understanding the spatial dynamics, predation behaviour and habitat preferences of large carnivores is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of tempe...
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Zoodiversity| _version_ | 1874092744032387072 |
|---|---|
| author | Cherepanyn, R. M Franchuk, M. V. Kubala, J. Andreychuk, Y. M. Yamelynets, T. S. Signer, J. Vykhor, B. I. Dykyy, I. V. |
| author_facet | Cherepanyn, R. M Franchuk, M. V. Kubala, J. Andreychuk, Y. M. Yamelynets, T. S. Signer, J. Vykhor, B. I. Dykyy, I. V. |
| author_institution_txt_mv | [
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"author": "R. M Cherepanyn",
"institution": "WWF-Ukraine, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine",
"orcid": "0000-0002-2227-3697"
},
{
"author": "M. V. Franchuk",
"institution": "Nature Reserve «Rivnenskyi», «Dubky tract» Str., 1, Chudel village, Sarny district, Rivne region, Ukraine",
"orcid": "0000-0002-7044-7137"
},
{
"author": "J. Kubala",
"institution": "Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka St., 24, Zvolen, 96001, Slovakia",
"orcid": ""
},
{
"author": "Y. M. Andreychuk",
"institution": "Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Universytetska St., 1, Lviv, Ukraine",
"orcid": "0000-0002-4940-4319"
},
{
"author": "T. S. Yamelynets",
"institution": "World Wide Fund for Nature Ukraine (WWF-Ukraine), Raisy Okipnoi St., 4, office 170, Kyiv, 02002, Ukraine; Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Universytetska Str., 1, Lviv, 79000, Ukraine ",
"orcid": ""
},
{
"author": "J. Signer",
"institution": "Wildlife Science, Faculty of Forest Science and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 5, Göttingen, 37077, Germany",
"orcid": ""
},
{
"author": "B. I. Vykhor",
"institution": "World Wide Fund for Nature Ukraine (WWF-Ukraine), Raisy Okipnoi St., 4, office 170, Kyiv, 02002, Ukraine ",
"orcid": ""
},
{
"author": "I. V. Dykyy",
"institution": "World Wide Fund for Nature Ukraine (WWF-Ukraine), Raisy Okipnoi St., 4, office 170, Kyiv, Ukraine; Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Universytetska St., 1, Lviv, 79000, Ukraine ",
"orcid": ""
}
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| author_orcid_str_mv | 0000-0002-2227-3697 0000-0002-7044-7137 0000-0002-4940-4319 |
| author_sort | Cherepanyn, R. M |
| baseUrl_str | https://ojs.akademperiodyka.org.ua/index.php/Zoodiversity/oai |
| collection | OJS |
| container_end_page | |
| container_issue | 4 |
| container_start_page | |
| container_title | Zoodiversity (Vestnik Zoologii) |
| container_volume | 59 |
| datestamp_date | 2026-08-20T12:37:07Z |
| description | In landscapes affected by human activity, understanding the spatial dynamics, predation behaviour and habitat preferences of large carnivores is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of temperate and boreal forests in Europe and Asia. However, the ecological patterns and behavior of lynx populations in Ukraine remain poorly studied. This study, based on GPS telemetry data collected from February to August 2023 in the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve and adjacent territories, is the first to provide a comprehensive assessment of lynx home range, predation ecology and habitat selection in Ukraine. The average annual home range size of the lynx ranged from 181 to 255 km², depending on the home range estimator used (95 % MCP, KDE, and AKDE), with significant seasonal variation: larger ranges in summer (172 km², 95 % MCP) compared to smaller winter ranges (113.2 km², 95 % MCP). The lynx primarily preyed on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and brown hare (Lepus europaeus), occasionally targeting smaller prey and carnivores, including the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). Kills and resting sites were located in dense, low-visibility areas such as swampy coniferous and deciduous forests. Moreover, the study demonstrated that lynx actively avoided human settlements and roads, particularly during summer, highlighting the influence of anthropogenic factors. While our findings align with patterns observed in other European lynx populations, they also reveal regional variations driven by local landscape features. Of the lynx telemetry observations, 30.5% occurred within protected areas and 69.5% in forestry enterprises, degraded marshlands and hunting grounds. These results emphasise the importance of spatial ecology in carnivore conservation and highlight the need for continued monitoring to assess the impact of human activity on lynx populations in Ukraine. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights for developing targeted conservation strategies involving local communities and stakeholders for the species in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. It also emphasises the need for standardised monitoring to facilitate comparative analyses of lynx ecology across different regions, including the Baltic and the Carpathians. |
| doi_str_mv | 10.15407/zoo2025.04.327 |
| first_indexed | 2025-09-17T09:33:41Z |
| format | Article |
| fulltext |
DOI 10.15407/zoo2025.04.327
UDC 599.742.75:621.398(438.42:477.82)
SPATIAL DYNAMIC AND ECOLOGY
OF A MALE EURASIAN LYNX, LYNX LYNX
(CARNIVORA, FELIDAE), IN VOLYN POLISSIA, UKRAINE:
FIRST GPS-GSM TELEMETRY FINDINGS
R. M. Cherepanyn 1, 2, *, M. V. Franchuk 3, J. Kubala 4, Y. M. Andreychuk 5,
T. S. Yamelynets 1, 5, J. Signer 6, В. I. Vykhor 1, I. V. Dykyy 1, 5
1 World Wide Fund for Nature Ukraine (WWF-Ukraine),
Raisy Okipnoi st., 4, office 170, Kyiv, 02002 Ukraine
2 Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University,
Taras Shevchenko st., 54, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76018 Ukraine
3 Nature Reserve “Rivnenskyi”,
“Dubky tract” st., 1, Chudel village, Sarny District, Rivne Region, 34542 Ukraine
4 Technical University in Zvolen,
T. G. Masaryka st., 24, Zvolen, 96001 Slovakia
5 Ivan Franko National University of Lviv,
Universytetska st., 1, Lviv, 79000 Ukraine
6 Wildlife Science, Faculty of Forest Science and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen,
Büsgenweg 5, Göttingen, 37077 Germany
* Corresponding author
E-mails: rcherepanyn@wwf.ua, roman.cherepanyn@pnu.edu.ua, roman.cherepanyn@gmail.com
R. Cherepanyn: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2227-3697
M. Franchuk: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7044-7137
J. Kubala: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2051-508X
Y. Andreychuk: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4940-4319
T. Yamelynets: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7058-0931
J. Signer: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1771-7775
B. Vykhor: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1856-1776
I. Dykyy: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3625-8567
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:86BEE72B-862B-48C3-AAD7-9E05FAB864EC
Ecology Zoodiversity, 59(4):327–348, 2025
© Publisher Publishing House "Akademperiodyka" of the NAS of Ukraine, 2025. The article is
published under an open access license CC BY-NC-ND (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/
by-nc-nd/4.0/)
ISSN 2707-725X. Zoodiversity. 2025. Vol. 59, No. 4
Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of a Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae), in
Volyn Polissia, Ukraine: First GPS-GSM Telemetry Findings. Сherepanyn, R. M., Fran-
chuk, M. V., Kubala, J., Andreychuk, Y. M., Yamelynets, T. S., Signer, J., Vykhor, B. I. &
Dykyy, I. V. — In landscapes affected by human activity, understanding the spatial dynam-
R. M. Cherepanyn, M. V. Franchuk, J. Kubala, Y. M. Andreychuk , T. S. Yamelynets et al.
ISSN 2707-725X. Zoodiversity. 2025. Vol. 59, No. 4
328
ics, predation behaviour and habitat preferences of large carnivores is essential for developing
effective conservation strategies. The Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx Linnaeus, 1758, plays a vital
role in maintaining the ecological balance of temperate and boreal forests in Europe and Asia.
However, the ecological patterns and behavior of lynx populations in Ukraine remain poorly
studied. This study, based on GPS telemetry data collected from February to August 2023 in
the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve and adjacent territories, is the first to provide a comprehensive
assessment of lynx home range, predation ecology and habitat selection in Ukraine. The aver-
age annual home range size of the lynx ranged from 181 to 255 km², depending on the home
range estimator used (95% MCP, KDE, and AKDE), with significant seasonal variation: larger
ranges in summer (172 km², 95% MCP) compared to smaller winter ranges (113.2 km², 95%
MCP). The lynx primarily preyed on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and brown hare (Lepus eu-
ropaeus), occasionally targeting smaller prey and carnivores, including the raccoon dog (Nyc-
tereutes procyonoides). Kills and resting sites were located in dense, low-visibility areas such as
swampy coniferous and deciduous forests. Moreover, the study demonstrated that lynx actively
avoided human settlements and roads, particularly during summer, highlighting the influence
of anthropogenic factors. While our findings align with patterns observed in other European
lynx populations, they also reveal regional variations driven by local landscape features. Of the
lynx telemetry observations, 30.5% occurred within protected areas and 69.5% in forestry en-
terprises, degraded marshlands and hunting grounds. These results emphasise the importance
of spatial ecology in carnivore conservation and highlight the need for continued monitoring
to assess the impact of human activity on lynx populations in Ukraine. Furthermore, this study
provides valuable insights for developing targeted conservation strategies involving local com-
munities and stakeholders for the species in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. It also emphasises
the need for standardised monitoring to facilitate comparative analyses of lynx ecology across
different regions, including the Baltic and the Carpathians.
Key words: Eurasian lynx, home range, MCP, KDE, AKDE, Polissia, Ukraine.
Introduction
The spatial dynamics of large carnivores, including their home range size, habitat
selection and movement patterns, are primarily driven by the need to secure vital
resources (Gittleman & Harvey, 1982; Boitani & Powell, 2012; Gittleman, 2013).
These behaviours are shaped by prey availability, competition, human activity and
habitat fragmentation. Predation ecology, including diet, hunting strategies and prey
selection, is closely linked to spatial behaviour (Sunquist & Sunquist, 1989; 2020).
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for the effective conservation of large car-
nivores, particularly in human-dominated landscapes where they face challenges
due to their extensive spatial requirements (Breitenmoser & Breitenmoser-Würsten,
2008; Linnell et al., 2021; Kubala et al., 2024). Accurate home range estimates are
essential for assessing population trends, understanding habitat suitability, and in-
forming conservation strategies. Yet, landscapes’ inherent variability poses signifi-
cant challenges to data collection and the reliable extrapolation of findings across
different regions (Herfindal et al., 2005; Palmero et al., 2023 a, b). Although the
adaptive predation strategies of large carnivores highlight their behavioural plastici-
ty, they also complicate conservation efforts, particularly in areas where prey is scarce
or human-wildlife conflict is prevalent (Linnell et al., 2001; Schmidt, 2008; Nagl et
al., 2022; Cherepanyn et al., 2023 c, 2024). Another biological function that affects
spatial dynamics in large carnivores is resting, which shapes habitat use, territoriali-
ty, and intraspecific competition (Kolowski & Woolf, 2002; Signer et al., 2019;
Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of A Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae)...
ISSN 2707-725X. Zoodiversity. 2025. Vol. 59, No. 4
329
Hočevar et al., 2021). Understanding these relationships enhances our knowledge of
carnivore ecology and informs conservation strategies to support their complex hab-
itat needs (Podgórski et al., 2008; Filla et al., 2017).
The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is a generalist carnivore inhabiting boreal and
temperate forests throughout Europe and Asia (Breitenmoser et al., 2015; von Arx,
2020, Kaczensky et al., 2024). The size of the lynx’s home range varies considerably
across Europe (Kubala et al., 2024), influenced by factors including sex, age
(Schmidt et al., 1997; Sunde et al., 2000; Melovski et al., 2020), prey availability,
environmental productivity (Herfindal et al., 2005; Breitenmoser-Würsten et al.,
2007), and conspecific density (Pesenti & Zimmermann, 2013; Aronsson et al.,
2016). As an apex predator, it profoundly impacts prey populations, particularly
ungulates (Breitenmoser & Breitenmoser-Würsten, 2008; Andrén & Liberg, 2024).
Although the diet of lynx in Europe ranges from small rodents to red deer (Cervus
elaphus), they are specialist predators that primarily target roe deer (Capreolus ca-
preolus) when available (Molinari-Jobin et al., 2007; Melovski et al., 2020; Oliveira
et al. 2024). Lynx spatial dynamics and resting site selection is influenced by sever-
al key survival factors that help them conserve energy, avoid detection, and stay
close to resources (Sunde et al., 1998; Filla et al., 2017; Belotti et al., 2012). Inte-
grating spatial ecology with studies on predation and resting behaviours provides
a more comprehensive understanding of how lynx interact with their environment
and contribute to ecosystem stability. These insights are crucial for informing con-
servation strategies, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, and ensuring the long-
term viability of lynx populations (Linnell et al., 2021). However, despite extensive
research on lynx ecology in Europe, relevant information from Ukraine remains
limited or scarce (Cherepanyn et al., 2023 a).
The lynx has been listed in Ukraine’s Red Data Book since 1993 (Shcherbak,
1994; Akimov, 2009) and classified as “vulnerable” in 2021 (Order of the Ministry of
Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, No. 29). It is protected
under Appendix III of the Berne Convention, Appendix II of CITES, and is listed on
the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List (von Arx,
2020). The country’s conservation plan for the species was adopted in 2021 accord-
ing to Order No. 595 (Action Plan, 2021). In Ukraine, the lynx is widespread in two
biogeographical zones — the Carpathians and Polissia, belonging to the Carpathian
and Baltic populations (Breitenmoser et al., 2015; Kaczensky et al., 2024). In 2019,
official data recorded 435 lynx in the Carpathians and 128 in Polissia (Cherepanyn et
al., 2023 a), while the Red Data Book estimated 350–400 and 80–90, respectively
(Akimov, 2009). Lynx population estimates vary due to differing assessment meth-
ods and unsynchronized monitoring and data exchange between institutions (Vyk-
hor et al., 2022). Although the first radio-telemetry study was conducted in 2003 in
the Polissia Nature Reserve (Shkvyrya, 2005; Zhyla, 2012), a significant gap remains
in empirical research on the ecology and spatial dynamics of lynx in Ukraine, par-
ticularly concerning home range size, predation, resting and the ecological factors
constraining the species to specific areas based on telemetry data (Kubala et al., 2021;
Cherepanyn et al., 2023 b). Therefore, our study aims to: 1) gain insight into the spa-
tial needs of the lynx in Ukraine by estimating individual home-range sizes, 2) pro-
vide the first reliable data on lynx predation by monitoring feeding behavior through
R. M. Cherepanyn, M. V. Franchuk, J. Kubala, Y. M. Andreychuk , T. S. Yamelynets et al.
ISSN 2707-725X. Zoodiversity. 2025. Vol. 59, No. 4
330
prey species analysis and 3) compare our findings with data from other lynx studies.
Finally, we discuss remaining ecological knowledge gaps, offer recommendations for
future research, and explore the implications of our results for practical management
and conservation efforts of the Eurasian lynx in Ukraine.
Material and Methods
Study area
Our study was conducted within the biogeographical zone of Volyn Polissia
(Fig. 1) in the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve — Somyne Massif, Sarnensky Dis-
trict, Rivne Oblast (IUCN Category Ia, Ramsar sites), in the local importance
botanical zakaznyk “Velykoozerianskyi” (zakaznyk, a form of nature protection
in Ukraine that designates areas for the sustainable use of natural resources)
and the adjacent lands of forestry (Klesiv and Sarny forestry enterprises) and
agricultural purpose in the northwest part of Ukraine. The study area, covering
a total of 362 km², is characterised by flat terrain, predominantly sandy soils,
excess moisture, dense forestation, and the presence of swamps. The climate in
the region is marked by notable seasonal temperature variations, with warm
summers. The forests of Volyn Polissia primarily consist of oak-hornbeam
(Quercus robur L. — Carpinus betulus L.), pine-oak (Pinus sylvestris L. — Quer-
cus robur L.), and shrub plant communities, covering approximately 40% of the
area. Meadow-swamp plant communities occupy around 10% of the territory
(Marynych, 1993, 2007). According to the landscape zoning classification by
Marynych et al. (2007), the study area is part of the plain landscapes within the
coniferous-broadleaf forest group, divided into the following subgroups: (1) al-
Fig. 1. The study area is situated within the Volyn Polissia region, located in the north-western
part of Ukraine
Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of A Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae)...
ISSN 2707-725X. Zoodiversity. 2025. Vol. 59, No. 4
331
luvial-sand plains, flat and undulating, characterised by sod-podzolic soils and
lowland swamps predominantly covered by pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests and
subors (90%); (2) outwash plains, flat and undulating, with sod-podzolic and
sod soils, lowland swamps, and isolated patches of pine forests, subors, and al-
der stands (5%); and (3) floodplain landscapes of the plains, consisting of for-
ested areas and meadow-swamp ecosystems (5%). The massif is predominantly
covered by forest, aquatic, and swamp vegetation, with isolated areas of psam-
mophytic and meadow vegetation (Akimov, 2009). The fauna comprises
46 mammal species, with rodents being the most numerous group, alongside
roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), elk (Alces alces), brown
hare (Lepus europaeus), Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and grey wolf (Canis lupus). Moreover,
the area is characterised by a relatively low density of human settlements and
population.
Lynx captures and col lar ing
For lynx captures, we utilised walk-through, double-door wooden box traps (meas-
uring 2×1×1 m), strategically positioned in areas identified through prior systematic
monitoring as frequently visited by lynx (Vykhor et al., 2022). Lynx capture efforts
were conducted during winter and early spring, aligning with the period of increased
spatial activity, especially during the mating season. The box traps were continuous-
ly monitored through a GSM alarm system (Trapmaster, Germany) and camera traps
(Bushwacker Big Eye D3N Camera, China; Willfine WG-4.0CG-GPS Camera, Chi-
na). These systems promptly alerted the responsible personnel if a trap doors closed.
On February 4, 2023, an adult male lynx was successfully captured (Fig. 2). The lynx
was tranquillised by a veterinarian using a combination of medetomidine (Domi-
tor®) and ketamine (Ketasol® and Narketan®), with atipamezole (Antisedan®) admin-
Fig. 2. An adult male lynx captured on February 4, 2023, during a tranquilization, medical exam-
ination, and collaring procedure in the Nature Reserve “Rivnenskyi”
R. M. Cherepanyn, M. V. Franchuk, J. Kubala, Y. M. Andreychuk , T. S. Yamelynets et al.
ISSN 2707-725X. Zoodiversity. 2025. Vol. 59, No. 4
332
istered as a reversal agent (LifeLynx, 2018; Signer et al., 2021; Kubala et al., 2024).
This study adheres to the ARRIVE guidelines (Percie du Sert et al., 2020) and all
procedures were approved by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural
Resources of Ukraine (Approval No. 2022/4). The captured lynx underwent a medi-
cal examination and was fitted with a GPS-GSM collar, equipped with a drop-off
mechanism, providing online access to data stored on the server (Ecotone, Poland).
We recorded the animal’s sex and weight (22 kg), and estimated its age (4–5 years
old) based on tooth wear (Marti & Ryser-Degiorgis, 2018 a, b) and data from system-
atic camera trapping. After the protocol, the lynx was released at the capture site. The
collar was programmed to collect four GPS fixes every 24 hours, with a 6-hour inter-
val between each fix. No mortalities or complications occurred during or after the
capture, and none were observed due to collaring.
Spat ia l ana lys is
Spatial-temporal geodata of the GPS tracker were processed using a geographic in-
formation system ArcGIS Pro 3.2.2 licensed software (ESRI, Redlands, CA, USA,
2016; Andreichuk & Yamelynets, 2015; Chaskovskyy et al., 2021). We calculated an-
nual, seasonal, and monthly home ranges for lynx using 9% 100%, and 50% (core
area) Minimum Convex Polygons (MCP; Mohr, 1947), Kernel home ranges (KDE;
Worton, 1989), and Autocorrelated Kernel home ranges (AKDE; Fleming et al.,
2015) to facilitate comparisons with previous studies. Based on the geographic sim-
ilarity to the lynx population in the Białowieża Primeval Forest, Poland, and the
annual variation in its movement patterns, we followed the definitions of Jędrzejew-
ski et al. (1996) and Schmidt et al. (1997) to delineate two distinct seasons: (1) a pe-
riod of low movement rates, corresponding to spring and summer (May 1 to Sep-
tember 30, hereafter referred to as “summer”), and (2) a period of high movement
rates, corresponding to autumn and winter (October 1 to April 30, hereafter referred
to as “winter”). We further defined the breeding season as February 1 to March 31,
and the non-breeding season as April 1 to January 31. To calculate the annual home
range, a minimum of 6 months of data was required (Herfindal et al., 2005; White et
al., 2015; Kubala et al., 2024). For the seasonal home range, at least 20 locations were
necessary (Linnell et al., 2001; White et al., 2015), while monthly home ranges re-
quired at least 14 location points. We defined a lynx’s home range as established and
permanent when it exhibited a consistent polygonal movement pattern, excluding
locations that represented excursions of adult lynx. Home ranges were calculated
using the amt and ctmm packages (Calabrese et al., 2016; Signer et al., 2019) within
the R statistical environment (R Core Team, 2021).
Predat ion and anthropogenic impact
We used ArcGIS to analyse GPS data transmitted via the GSM network and to vis-
ually identify clusters of GPS locations, referred to as GPS location clusters (GLCs;
Merrill et al., 2010). To reliably identify potential lynx kill and resting sites (Podgór-
ski et al., 2008; Schmidt, 2008; Filla et al., 2017), a GLC was defined as a cluster where
more than two GPS points were recorded within a 200-metre radius. Previous GPS
telemetry studies on Eurasian lynx have shown that after killing an ungulate, lynx
Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of A Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae)...
ISSN 2707-725X. Zoodiversity. 2025. Vol. 59, No. 4
333
frequently return to the kill site or remain within a 300-metre radius for more than
one night (Breitenmoser & Breitenmoser-Würsten, 2008; Krofel et al., 2013; Melovski
et al., 2020). When a GLC suggested a potential kill site, field investigations were
carried out to locate prey remains. Starting from the center of the GLC, we used
handheld GPS devices to search the surrounding area, expanding the search radius
to 150 metres around each cluster location. In areas with dense vegetation, the search
radius was extended as necessary. Environmental characteristics within a 50-metre
radius of the kill site were recorded to capture all potentially relevant features. For
resting sites, we aimed to identify the precise lynx bed site. If direct access was im-
peded by impenetrable terrain, we recorded environmental characteristics at the
nearest accessible location within a 150-meter radius, assuming it reliably represent-
ed the actual bed site due to habitat homogeneity.
The impact of human presence on lynx hunting and resting behaviour was as-
sessed by analysing the proximity to the nearest rural settlements, as well as roads,
using the “Near” tool in ArcGIS according to Melovski et al. (2020). The roads in the
study area consisted solely of dirt roads and field and forest paths. The results are
reported as the closest distances of lynx from rural settlements, as well as from roads.
The study area lacked major settlements, urban centers, paved roads or highways.
Consequently, these categories were excluded from the analysis as potential sources
of disturbance.
Results
Lynx home range s ize
We collected 487 fixes for the period between February 4, 2023 to August 6, 2023.
From these data, we used all fixes for creating the annual home range, 257 fixes for
summer home range and 230 fixes for winter home range. Furthermore, we utilised
143 fixes to define the breeding home range and 344 fixes for the non-breeding home
range. On average, 70 fixes were used for the monthly home ranges (with the excep-
tion of August, when only 14 fixes were available).
The annual home range (MCP 95%) was 181.1 km² (Fig. 3; Table 1). In summer,
the home range size (MCP 95%) was 172.1 km² (Fig. 4), while in winter, it decreased
to 113.2 km² (Fig. 5; Table 1). The breeding season home range measured 129.2 km²,
whereas the non-breeding home range was larger at 181.6 km² (Table 1). All home
range sizes were consistently larger when other estimators were applied, with MCP
yielding smaller estimates compared to both KDE and AKDE (Tables 1, 2). KDE esti-
mates were generally comparable to AKDE for annual, winter, and breeding home
ranges, but were lower than AKDE during the summer and non-breeding seasons.
Core areas (MCP 50%) comprised, on average, 26–31% of annual home ranges, 24–
30% of summer home ranges, and 23–24% of winter home ranges depending on the
home range estimator (Figs 1–3; Table 1). The smallest core areas, representing 15–
20% of the home range, were observed during the breeding season, while the largest
core areas, ranging from 25–34%, were recorded during the non-breeding season.
Average monthly home range (MCP 95%) was 78.5 ± 15.6 km² (mean ± SE) depend-
ing on the estimator used (Table 2). The smallest home range was 57.3 km² in February
R. M. Cherepanyn, M. V. Franchuk, J. Kubala, Y. M. Andreychuk , T. S. Yamelynets et al.
ISSN 2707-725X. Zoodiversity. 2025. Vol. 59, No. 4
334
(with the exception of August, when only 14 fixes were available), while the largest was 128
km² in June. The average monthly core area (MCP 50%) was 24.4 ± 8.3 km², with the small-
est core area of 9.2 km² observed in May and the largest at 65.6 km² in July (Table 2).
Predat ion and anthropogenic impact
We identified 13 GPS location clusters (GLC) as potential kill sites, where we locat-
ed remains from 21 kills (Fig. 6; Table 3), representing six species: roe deer (Capre-
Fig. 3. GPS locations and the annual home range of a lynx in the study area are represented by
Minimum Convex Polygons (MCPs) at 100% (green line), 95% (orange line), and 5% (red line)
levels. The map also highlights human infrastructure within the study area
Fig. 4. The summer home range of male lynx in the study area is depicted using GPS fixes and
MCPs at the 100% (green line), 95% (orange line), and 50% (red line) levels. The map also high-
lights human infrastructure within the study area
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Table 1. Average annual and seasonal (summer and winter) home ranges (km2 ± SE)
of male Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the study area using 95%, 100 and 50% Minimum
convex polygon (MCP), Kernel density estimation (KDE) and Autocorrelated
Kernel home range (AKDE)
Home range
method Annual Summer Winter Breeding Non-breeding
HR mean 95%, km2
MCP 181.1 172.1 113.2 129.2 181.6
KDE 245.7 273.5 177.3 188.7 258.5
AKDE 255 321.6 175 179.2 297
HR mean 100%, km2
MCP 258.3 218.1 160.6 160.5 246.3
KDE 351.5 378.1 250.2 266.5 363
AKDE 339.2 467.5 236.8 265.4 367.7
HR mean 50%, km2
MCP 55.8 51.7 27.1 19.5 61.1
KDE 64.9 66.5 41.1 34.5 68.2
AKDE 66.8 79.1 42.2 35.6 75.6
Fig. 5. The winter home range of a lynx in the study area is depicted using GPS locations and
Minimum Convex Polygons (MCPs) at 100% (green line), 95% (orange line), and 50% (red line)
coverage levels. The map also highlights human infrastructure within the study area
olus capreolus, n = 10), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides, n = 5), brown hare
(Lepus europaeus, n = 2), Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber, n = 1), wild boar (Sus scrofa,
n = 1), red fox (Vulpes vulpes, n = 1), and hazel grouse (Tetrastes bonasia, n = 1). The
lynx prey consisted predominantly of roe deer and brown hare. Additionally, there
were instances where lynx killed raccoon dogs (n = 5) and a red fox (n = 1) but did
not consume them, suggesting selective predation behaviour. Subcontinental moss
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Scots pine forests, nemoral bog conifer woodlands, broadleaved swamp woodlands
on acid peat, and non-riverine woodlands with Betula, Populus tremula, or Sorbus
aucuparia dominate the habitats preferred by lynx for hunting. Furthermore,
broadleaved swamp woodlands and nemoral bog conifer woodlands serve as the
preferred resting sites.
The average distance from kill sites to the nearest settlement was 4.53 ± 0.33 km
(mean ± SE), while the average distance to the nearest road was 0.32 ± 0.05 km (Table 3).
For roe deer, the average distance from kill sites to settlements was 4.12 ± 0.29 km, com-
pared to 4.9 ± 0.29 km for other prey species. The difference in distances between roe deer
and other prey species was not statistically significant. Moreover, the roe deer kill sites were
located, on average, 0.43 ± 0.06 km from roads, compared to the 0.23 ± 0.07 km distance
observed for other species. However, this difference was also not statistically significant.
We also identified 8 GPS location clusters (GLC) as potential resting sites. The
mean distance from resting sites to the closest settlement was 5.35 ± 0.31 km, where-
as the average distance to the nearest road was 0.12 ± 0.03 km (Table 4). In summer,
the mean distance from resting sites to settlements was 5.74 ± 0.39 km, decreasing to
4.9 ± 0.45 km in winter. Conversely, the average distance from resting sites to roads
was 0.08 ± 0.04 km in summer, increasing to 0.18 ± 0.04 km in winter. Nonetheless,
these seasonal differences did not reach statistical significance.
Discussion
The home range of a male lynx in the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve was compara-
ble to those observed in populations inhabiting similar environments, such as
the Paazierre Forest in Belarus (Sidorovich, 2022) and the Białowieża Primeval
Forest in Poland (Schmidt et al., 1997). This alignment in range size was also
evident across mountainous regions of Central Europe, including the Bohemian
Forest in Czechia, the Bavarian Forest in Germany, the Swiss Jura and North-
Table 2. Mean monthly home range size (km2 ± SE) of male Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)
in the study area using 95%, 100% and 50% Minimum convex polygon (MCP),
Kernel density estimation (KDE) and Autocorrelated Kernel home range (AKDE)
Home range
method February March April May June July August
HR mean 95%, km2
MCP 57.3 91.4 64.2 81 127.9 121 6.6
KDE 116.6 175.3 169.3 154.7 353.1 327.5 111.3
AKDE 116 155.7 269.2 174.7 519.7 479.4 502.7
HR mean 100%, km2
MCP 85.2 100.3 79.8 97.9 184.3 139.4 14.9
KDE 166.9 248.5 232.1 218.9 497.9 459.8 170.7
AKDE 172.1 228.6 399.4 262.3 766.5 712.5 177.5
HR mean 50%, km2
MCP 15 14.1 33.6 9.2 33.3 65.6 0.01
KDE 23.2 40.6 47.8 26.5 90 90.2 21.9
AKDE 26.1 35 67.6 36.6 129.3 122.6 113.7
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Fig. 6. The study area encompasses annual minimum convex polygons (MCPs) of an adult male
lynx, calculated at 100% (green line), 95% (orange line), and 50% (red line) levels. GPS location
clusters (GLCs) of potential kill sites (red polygons) and resting sites (green polygons) were docu-
mented and verified through comprehensive field investigations. These clusters were then analysed
in relation to their proximity to the nearest rural settlements, dirt roads, and field/forest paths
Table 3. GPS location clusters (GLCs) identified for sites with remains from 21 kills,
including the average distances to the nearest settlements and roads
GLC ID Year Month Settlement distance,
km
Road distance,
km Species
H3 2023 2 4.9 0.07 Vulpes vulpes
H2 2023 2 5.1 0.42 Capreolus capreolus
H5 2023 2 3.9 0.68 Terastes bonasia
H5 2023 2 3.9 0.68 Capreolus capreolus*
H7 2023 2 4 0.2 Castor fiber
H6 2023 2 5.4 0.66 Capreolus capreolus
H1 2023 3 4.2 0.42 Capreolus capreolus
H4 2023 3 4.1 0.18 Nyctereutes procyonoides
H9 2023 3 4.3 0.39 Nyctereutes procyonoides*
H10 2023 3 3.6 0.08 Capreolus capreolus
H10 2023 3 3.6 0.08 Lepus europaeus
H12 2023 3 3.2 0.4 Capreolus capreolus
H2 2023 4 5 0.42 Sus scrofa
H2 2023 4 5 0.42 Capreolus capreolus
H3 2023 4 4.9 0.07 Lepus europaeus
H12 2023 4 3.2 0.4 Capreolus capreolus
H13 2023 4 3.5 0.4 Capreolus capreolus
H8 2023 6 9.7 0.03 Nyctereutes procyonoides
H11 2023 7 4.7 0.2 Nyctereutes procyonoides
* Two individuals of Capreolus capreolus and Nyctereutes procyonoides species were killed in each
GPS location clusters.
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western Switzerland (Ryser et al., 2004; Breitenmoser-Würsten et al., 2007), and
the Carpathians (Okarma et al., 2000, 2007). Eurasian lynx show significant var-
iation in home range sizes across Europe. The smallest average ranges were re-
corded in Switzerland’s northwestern Alps, while the largest were along north-
ern Norway (Kubala et al., 2024). The MCP method consistently produced
smaller home range estimates compared to KDE and AKDE, a pattern also doc-
umented in previous studies (e. g., Schmidt et al., 1997; Melovski et al., 2020;
Kubala et al., 2024). KDE and AKDE consider both spatial and temporal auto-
correlation of locations, which often results in larger home range estimates. In
contrast, MCP treats all location points equally, ignoring both their spatial dis-
tribution and the sequence in which they were recorded.
Lynx maintained a relatively stable home range size across seasons, consistent
with findings from studies conducted in Norway (Walton et al., 2017), Poland
(Schmidt et al., 1997; Jędrzejewski et al., 2002), Sweden (Danell et al., 2006), Swit-
zerland (Breitenmoser & Breitenmoser-Würsten, 2008) and Western Carpathians
(Kubala et al., 2024). However, summer home ranges were larger than those ob-
served during winter (Tables 1, 2), in contrast to the seasonal estimates from
Białowieża and the Western Carpathians (Schmidt et al., 1997; Schmidt, 2008; Ku-
bala et al., 2024). This is indicating that male lynx do not generally adopt a roaming
mating tactic (Sandell, 1989). Male lynx likely maintained larger, exclusive home
ranges during the summer to minimise the presence of competing males ahead of
the mating season. In winter, they used smaller areas with increased interaction,
staying closer to receptive females (Breitenmoser et al., 1993; Schmidt et al., 1997;
Herfindal et al., 2005). This pattern aligns with Sandell’s (1989) prediction that
male home range size generally correlates with prey density but may shift in re-
Table 4. Identified GPS location clusters (GLCs) for resting sites, detailing the average
distances to the nearest settlements and roads
GLC ID Year Month Settlement distance, km Road distance, km
R2 2023 2 4.2 0.23
R4 2023 3 3.5 0.22
R6 2023 3 6 0.25
R2 2023 3 4.2 0.23
R1 2023 4 6.1 0.17
R3 2023 4 5.5 0.2
R4 2023 5 3.5 0.22
R7 2023 5 6.3 0.04
R8 2023 6 5.8 0.22
R6 2023 6 6 0.003
R7 2023 6 6.3 0.04
R5 2023 7 6.3 0.001
R6 2023 8 6 0.003
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sponse to changes in mating strategies. However, the small sample size limits the
scope of our research to some extent, and additional data on more lynx, particular-
ly females, are needed to draw more definitive conclusions about the intrinsic and
environmental factors influencing home range size.
Regarding predation, lynx in the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve appear to have
a similar ecological role to those in other parts of Central Europe, serving as
apex predators of wild ungulates, particularly roe deer (Jędrzejewski et al., 1993;
Molinari-Jobin et al., 2007; Andrén & Liberg, 2024). Predation data from 2023
indicate that male lynx in the study area killed 10 roe deer, representing 0.66%
of the total hunting bag for the Rivne Region in 2021. As in other populations,
its predation is not limited to ungulates and diet is supplemented by other spe-
cies of smaller prey, including lagomorphs and small carnivores (Breitenmoser
& Breitenmoser-Würsten, 2008; Melovski et al., 2020). This dietary pattern
closely resembles that of lynx in the Paazierre Forest and the Naliboki Forest,
Belarus (Sidorovich, 2022). Our study documented lynx abandoning red fox
and common raccoon dog carcasses, with at least five instances involving rac-
coon dogs along forest roads, contributing to the natural regulation of these
trophic competitors within the ecosystem. An intriguing question arises re-
garding the role of beavers in the lynx’s diet, particularly given their high den-
sity in suitable habitats within the study area. However, further research is
needed to confirm these findings and provide a more comprehensive under-
standing of lynx predation ecology in this region and its habitats, as well as its
implications for ungulate hunting management.
Field examination of both kill and resting GLCs revealed that these areas
predominantly consist of wet or heavily saturated biotopes with dense vegeta-
tion, including lowland and transitional swamps. These habitats primarily in-
clude swampy alder forests and pine forests along large marshes and within
degraded drainage systems. In central Europe, lynx preferred open habitats
such as meadows with abundant ungulates at night, while during the day, they
selected dense, rugged areas away from human activity. Habitat selection was
influenced by land cover in summer and by lower altitudes in winter (Filla et
al., 2017; Belotti et al., 2018). Lynx preferentially select rugged terrain near
rock formations, which provide shelter from temperature extremes, reduce
encounters with humans, and enhance scent-marking effectiveness due to
prominent locations (Signer et al., 2019; Hočervar et al., 2021). However, the
Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve is characterised exclusively by flat terrain, lac’ing
rugged landscapes or rocky formations. Consequently, our findings align with
those reported in Poland’s Białowieża Lowland Forest and Belarus’s Paazierre
Forest, where lynx preferentially selected kill and resting sites distinguished
by complex, hard-to-access terrain, dense vegetation, and low visibility
(Jędrzejewski et al., 1993; Schmidt, 2008; Sidorovich, 2022). The male lynx
frequently visited hunters’ feeding sites, key locations for locating its primary
prey, and often concealed its kills by dragging them several dozen metres into
areas with dense undergrowth or trees, reducing visibility and minimising the
risk of scavengers or predators stealing the carcass (Okarma et al., 1997;
Podgórski et al., 2008). Lynx are highly selective in choosing resting sites,
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with low visibility being a key factor, primarily resulting from dense trees and
abundant undergrowth. Similar preferences have been observed in other lynx
species, including the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus; Garrote et al., 2020), Can-
ada lynx (Lynx canadensis; Mowat & Slogth, 2003), and bobcat (Lynx rufus;
Morin et al., 2020), emphasising the importance of habitat cover for their
conservation and management.
Spatial dynamics, seasonal home ranges and monthly lynx movements, in-
cluding distances from kill and resting sites to the nearest settlements and roads,
in the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve may be most likely influenced by the seasonal
accessibility of certain areas. Lynx maintained an average distance of 4.5 km
from kill sites to settlements and 320 m from roads. Resting sites were, on aver-
age, located 5.35 km from settlements and 120 m from roads, with distances
decreasing from summer to winter. In comparison, the average distance from
kill sites to rural settlements in Mavrovo National Park, Macedonia, was much
shorter, approximately 1.77 km (Melovski et al., 2020). In Norway, lynx also
maintain shorter distances of 200 m from houses and roads (Sunde et al., 1998),
whereas in the Bohemian Forest, they avoid human infrastructure, staying at
least 1 km from settlements and 300 m from trails (Belotti et al., 2012; Filla et al.,
2017). Similarly, bobcats typically avoid areas within 1 km of anthropogenic
zones and 0.8–3 km of roads (Jones et al., 2022). Our findings support previous
research showing that lynx exhibit seasonal habitat preferences and avoid areas
with high human activity (Ripari et al., 2022; Oeser et al., 2023). To sustain their
food supply, lynx must continuously track their primary prey. A significant por-
tion of our male lynx home ranges overlaps with the challenging landscape of
lowland swamps in the Lva River floodplain, fragmented by artificial embank-
ments, dams, and roads along drainage canals. Our observations show that lynx
frequently use forest roads, embankments, dams, and beaver dens for move-
ment. From June to October, local residents gather wild berries, such as blueber-
ries and cranberries, which increases human presence in forest and wetland are-
as. Based on this, we hypothesize that seasonal human activity may interfere
with the behaviour of both prey and lynx, potentially reshaping their spatial pat-
terns and hunting strategies. To avoid disturbed areas, both predators and prey
may seek refuge in more secluded habitats, such as waterlogged alder, birch, and
mixed pine forests (Schmidt, 2008; Belotti et al., 2018). Nevertheless, a more in-
depth investigation is necessary to fully understand the underlying factors and
dynamics of this spatial behaviour.
Overall, only 30.5% of recorded male lynx locations occurred within pro-
tected areas, with 15.3% in the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve and 15.2% in the Ve-
lykoozerianskyi Botanical Reserve. The majority, 69.5%, were located in unpro-
tected landscapes, including managed forestry zones, degraded marshlands, and
active hunting grounds. Understanding the spatial dynamics and habitat needs
of lynx is essential for effective conservation. Research in Scandinavia, for exam-
ple, has shown that the extent of protected areas alone is often insufficient to
sustain the entire lynx population (Linnell et al., 2001; 2021). A significant por-
tion of lynx population occupy multiuse semi-natural areas where economic ac-
tivities like logging, hunting, and agriculture are common von Arx, 2020;
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341
Kaczensky et al., 2024). These semi-natural areas, while lacking strict protec-
tions, are critical for lynx populations but require management strategies that
balance conservation with human activities (Breitenmoser & Breitenmos-
er-Würsten, 2008; Belotti et al., 2018; Linnell et al., 2021). Therefore, maintain-
ing suitable conditions in hunting grounds, ensuring an adequate prey base in
forestry and hunting areas, and involving not only conservation organisations
but also forestry and hunting institutions in lynx monitoring, conservation and
management efforts are essential for sustaining a viable lynx population state in
the region.
Conclusions
Using GPS telemetry, we provide the first reliable estimates of home-range
size, along with insights into the predation and resting ecology of lynx in the
Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve and the adjacent lands in Ukraine. Our findings
show that the ecological patterns closely resemble those of other European
populations, particularly in the Paazierre Forest, Belarus, the Białowieża Pri-
meval Forest, Poland. Lynx inhabit a home range of several hundred square
kilometers, primarily feeding on wild ungulates. However, an important addi-
tional factor is their occasional reliance on small prey and carnivores, a behav-
iour that warrants further investigation. Our study suggests that lynx select
resting sites with structural cover for concealment within the flat, swampy, and
forested habitats, providing new insights into the ecological role of lynx in
Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Nevertheless, the influence of intrinsic and eco-
logical factors on lynx spatial dynamics and ecology requires additional and
broader research. This underscores the need for more precise data and the es-
tablishment of a standardised monitoring system based on spatial concepts,
scientifically robust methods, and range-wide collaborative efforts (Kubala et
al., 2021, 2023). Tackling these challenges with an efficient and adaptive ap-
proach is crucial for gaining a clearer understanding of lynx ecology and the
threats the species faces in this region. This will enable the development of
relevant, specific, and targeted strategies and actions necessary for lynx con-
servation in Ukraine, ensuring the long-term survival and sustainability of
both the Baltic and Carpathian populations.
Acknowledgements. All the work was supported, funded and coordinated
by WWF-Ukraine via Coexistence for Conservation project (Funded by
WWF-Poland); Nature FIRST project co-funded by the European Commission,
HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (Grant agreement ID 101060954
“Nature FIRST”); Supporting the coexistence and conservation of Carpathian
LargE CArnivores — funded by the Interreg Central Europe, co-funded by the
European Union (Grant agreement ID CE0100170 “LECA”); EuroLargeCarni-
vores project — funded by the European LIFE Programme (LIFE16 GIE/
DE/000661). The lynx monitoring study is part of the WWF-Ukraine large car-
nivore programme, and reflects the Lynx Single Species Action Plan under the
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine and
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ISSN 2707-725X. Zoodiversity. 2025. Vol. 59, No. 4
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International Action Plan on Conservation of Large Carnivores and Ensuring
Ecological Connectivity in the Carpathians in the frame of the Carpathian Con-
vention. We are grateful to the administration of the Nature Reserve “Rivnen-
skyi” for facilitating field work, as well as to the following colleagues for their
help in the direct implementation of telemetry research: veterinarian Mykola
Kychan and assistant Vovchenko Dmytro — for medical support and anaesthe-
sia of the lynx, Oleksandr Dobrynskyi — for manufacturing equipment for
telemetry research and assistance in animal catching, for technical support at all
stages of the work (Taras Kryvulskyi, head of the Karasyn department of Nature
Reserve “Rivnenskyi” — Kovalets Adam, inspectors (rangers) of the Nature Re-
serve “Rivnenskyi” — Petro Martyniuk, Serhiy Shchevych, Mykhailo Tymoshyt-
skyi, Oleksandr Kovalets). We are also grateful to the Ukrainian defenders for
making it possible for Ukrainian scientists to live and work in the conditions of
Russian armed aggression against Ukraine.
Credit authorship contribution statement
Roman Cherepanyn: Conceptualization (equal), Supervision (lead), Project man-
agement (lead), Methodology (equal), Investigation (equal), Formal analysis (equal),
Resources (equal), Visualisation (equal), Writing — original draft (lead), Writing —
review & editing (equal).
Mykhailo Franchuk: Conceptualization (equal), Methodology (equal), Investi-
gation (lead), Formal analysis (equal), Resources (equal), Visualisation (equal),
Writing — original draft (equal), Writing — review & editing (equal).
Jakub Kubala: Conceptualization (equal), Methodology (equal), Formal analysis
(equal), Visualisation (equal), Writing — original draft (equal), Writing – review &
editing (equal).
Yuriy Andreychuk: Conceptualization (equal), Methodology (equal), Investi-
gation (equal), Formal analysis (equal), Spatial amalysis (equal), Resources (equal),
Visualisation (lead), Writing — original draft (equal), Writing — review & editing
(equal).
Taras Yamelynets: Methodology (equal), Resources (equal), Writing — original
draft (equal), Writing — review & editing (equal).
Johannes Signer: Methodology (equal), Formal analysis (equal), Spatial analysis
(equal), Resources (equal).
Bohdan Vykhor: Conceptualization (equal), Methodology (equal), Resources
(lead), Writing — review & editing (equal).
Іhor Dykyy: Methodology (equal), Investigation (equal), Resources (equal),
Writing — original draft (equal), Writing — review & editing (equal).
Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Received 19 December 2024
Accepted 21 August 2025
|
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| institution | Zoodiversity |
| issn | 2707-7268 |
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| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-08-21T01:01:56Z |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publisher | Publishing House "Akademperiodyka" of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine |
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| spelling | oai:ojs.akademperiodyka.org.ua:article-7302026-08-20T12:37:07Z Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of a Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae), in Volyn Polissia, Ukraine: First GPS-GSM Telemetry Findings Cherepanyn, R. M Franchuk, M. V. Kubala, J. Andreychuk, Y. M. Yamelynets, T. S. Signer, J. Vykhor, B. I. Dykyy, I. V. Eurasian lynx home range MCP KDE AKDE Polissia Ukraine In landscapes affected by human activity, understanding the spatial dynamics, predation behaviour and habitat preferences of large carnivores is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of temperate and boreal forests in Europe and Asia. However, the ecological patterns and behavior of lynx populations in Ukraine remain poorly studied. This study, based on GPS telemetry data collected from February to August 2023 in the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve and adjacent territories, is the first to provide a comprehensive assessment of lynx home range, predation ecology and habitat selection in Ukraine. The average annual home range size of the lynx ranged from 181 to 255 km², depending on the home range estimator used (95 % MCP, KDE, and AKDE), with significant seasonal variation: larger ranges in summer (172 km², 95 % MCP) compared to smaller winter ranges (113.2 km², 95 % MCP). The lynx primarily preyed on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and brown hare (Lepus europaeus), occasionally targeting smaller prey and carnivores, including the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). Kills and resting sites were located in dense, low-visibility areas such as swampy coniferous and deciduous forests. Moreover, the study demonstrated that lynx actively avoided human settlements and roads, particularly during summer, highlighting the influence of anthropogenic factors. While our findings align with patterns observed in other European lynx populations, they also reveal regional variations driven by local landscape features. Of the lynx telemetry observations, 30.5% occurred within protected areas and 69.5% in forestry enterprises, degraded marshlands and hunting grounds. These results emphasise the importance of spatial ecology in carnivore conservation and highlight the need for continued monitoring to assess the impact of human activity on lynx populations in Ukraine. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights for developing targeted conservation strategies involving local communities and stakeholders for the species in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. It also emphasises the need for standardised monitoring to facilitate comparative analyses of lynx ecology across different regions, including the Baltic and the Carpathians. Publishing House "Akademperiodyka" of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 2025-06-26 Article Article application/pdf https://ojs.akademperiodyka.org.ua/index.php/Zoodiversity/article/view/730 10.15407/zoo2025.04.327 Zoodiversity; Vol. 59 No. 4 (2025): Zoodiversity Zoodiversity (Vestnik Zoologii); Том 59 № 4 (2025): Zoodiversity 2707-7268 2707-725X 10.15407/zoo2025.04 en https://ojs.akademperiodyka.org.ua/index.php/Zoodiversity/article/view/730/331 Copyright (c) 2025 Roman Cherepanyn, Mykhailo Franchuk, Jakub Kubala, Yuriy Andreychuk, Taras Yamelynets, Johannes Signer, Bohdan Vykhor, Ihor Dykyy |
| spellingShingle | Cherepanyn, R. M Franchuk, M. V. Kubala, J. Andreychuk, Y. M. Yamelynets, T. S. Signer, J. Vykhor, B. I. Dykyy, I. V. Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of a Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae), in Volyn Polissia, Ukraine: First GPS-GSM Telemetry Findings |
| title | Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of a Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae), in Volyn Polissia, Ukraine: First GPS-GSM Telemetry Findings |
| title_full | Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of a Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae), in Volyn Polissia, Ukraine: First GPS-GSM Telemetry Findings |
| title_fullStr | Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of a Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae), in Volyn Polissia, Ukraine: First GPS-GSM Telemetry Findings |
| title_full_unstemmed | Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of a Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae), in Volyn Polissia, Ukraine: First GPS-GSM Telemetry Findings |
| title_short | Spatial Dynamic and Ecology of a Male Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora, Felidae), in Volyn Polissia, Ukraine: First GPS-GSM Telemetry Findings |
| title_sort | spatial dynamic and ecology of a male eurasian lynx, lynx lynx (carnivora, felidae), in volyn polissia, ukraine: first gps-gsm telemetry findings |
| topic_facet | Eurasian lynx home range MCP KDE AKDE Polissia Ukraine |
| url | https://ojs.akademperiodyka.org.ua/index.php/Zoodiversity/article/view/730 |
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