Abstract
"... Little information is available on Idaho lynx population dynamics, basic life history, habits, and habitat requirements. To quickly gain information on lynx in Idaho, a program was initiated in April 1997 to interview knowledgeable individuals. Over 75 people were interviewed throughout the state. Interview summaries and conclusions are presented in this report."

Introduction
"... The Idaho Conservation Data Center has 215 records of Canada lynx in Idaho from 1874-1998. The map on the back cover depicts two time periods, 1874-1976 and 1977-1998. In the earlier time period, lynx were considered a predatory species and afforded no protection. In the later period, lynx were classified as a furbearer by Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and managed with restrictive seasons and mandatory reporting of any harvest..." (ii)

Conclusions
"Four basic conclusions surface as the result of this effort. First, Canada lynx numbers have declined in Idaho. No one interviewed who had any historical perspective or knowledge of Canada lynx thought otherwise... Second, Canada lynx would not be present in southern portions of its range if it were not for snowshoe hares. However, Canada lynx would not persist in these areas if they depended exclusively on showshoe hares... Third, there is no 'smoking gun' factor in the decline of Canada lynx in Idaho. Many variables appear to limit Canada lynx numbers in this state. The most important of these appear to be timber harvest practices; high numbers of coyotes, mountain lions, and elk; increasing motorized and nonmotorized recreational use; incidental trapping; and reduced numbers of alternative prey, including species that are not documented as Canada prey in existing research. These include jackrabbits, beavers, and porcupines. Finally, all of the factors contributing to the decline of the Canada lynx are intertwined..." (19)

Map on inside back cover, "Lynx occurrence records for Idaho, 1874-1998"