Re-introduction of bobcats to Cumberland Island, Georgia, USA: status and lessons learned after 25 years

Summary

The bobcat (Lynx rufus), Least Concern but extirpated from Georgia's Cumberland Island around 1907, was reintroduced by the National Park Service in 1988-1989 to restore a native predator and reduce overabundant deer and hog populations suppressing native vegetation, including live oak regeneration, on the 85 km2 barrier island reserve. Following an approved Environmental Assessment despite some public opposition, 32 wild-caught adult bobcats were trapped on mainland Georgia, held briefly for veterinary care and radio-collaring, and hard-released on the island in small groups over two years; one died during handling and one drowned swimming into the Atlantic Ocean. University of Georgia researchers monitored the population intensively for three years via radio-telemetry, den-finding, and scat and prey surveys, finding 93% annual adult survival and at least ten kittens born in four litters by spring 1989, with island-born bobcats later recaptured as breeding adults. Follow-up studies in 1997-1999 and 2011 found deer abundance had declined more than 50% and average deer body mass had increased, while live oak seedling density nearly doubled between 1990 and 1997, evidence of a trophic cascade triggered by bobcat predation; genetic analysis of scats in 2011 identified at least nine bobcats with moderate genetic diversity and no clear inbreeding, though coyotes had newly established on the island. Difficulties included a since-regretted decision to justify the reintroduction publicly on herbivore control, and a long lapse in dedicated monitoring funding. The project rates itself successful, crediting protected native-range habitat, experienced wild-caught adults, and strong management support, alongside a herbivore-suppression effect exceeding expectations.