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Abstract
The decline of lynx populations in northern Washington State has initiated conservation research efforts
in the state. Conservation Northwest is attempting to identify potential migration patterns and
connectivity of Lynx canadensis from the southern reaches of the Monashee mountain range in British
Columbia into northern Washington. There has been little research done to identify movement patterns of
south-central BC populations and identifying individuals through DNA lab analysis could offer important
insight into whether there is evidence of genetic similarities between populations inferring trans-
boundary movement patterns. This paper documents a 3 month research project into lynx populations
within the Blueberry and Strawberry pass regions of south-central BC through the use of snow tracking,
wildlife cameras, and DNA hair trap retrieval stations to assess the species' activity levels, and potential
habitat preferences. Lynx snow tracks were observed at 3 out of the 4 project sites and one wildlife
camera station provided positive identification. 2 plots yielded hair samples that will be sent for DNA
analysis. The positive identification and level of activity in the area indicate that further study should
continue until a hair sample can be obtained to determine genetic relatedness with the northern
Washington population. Repositioning several of the stations to encompass the old cascade highway
region closer to the Canada-USA boundary, as the winter season retreats to allow access, is suggested to
determine level of activity in this region not yet investigated.
