Mountain Lion (Puma concolor) Connectivity in the North San Diego County Multi-species Conservation Plan Area

Type: report

Article abstract: Mountain lions (Puma concolor, puma, cougars) are top carnivores and important ecological regulators that roam widely throughout the San Diego County landscape. Puma concolor is a named species in regional conservation plans. Because of the extensive areas required by each mountain lion, multiple Natural Conservation Community Planning (NCCP) areas are often utilized by a single individual. Thus, connectivity within and between NCCPs is important for long-term health and persistence of mountain lions in the landscape, and proper NCCP function. In addition to the currently approved NCCP areas in Southern California, San Diego County is in advanced stages of preparing a conservation preserve design for its North County Multiple Species Conservation Program (NCMSCP). This research project uniquely combined camera, GPScollar, and mortality data with state of the art genetic analyses and modeling, and an expert workshop, to produce the most comprehensive assessment to date of mountain lion habitat use and connectivity within, and adjacent to, the NCMSCP area.

Number of pages: 68

Authors: Vickers, Winston; Zeller, Katherine; Ernest, Holly; Gustafson, Kyle; Boyce, Walter;

Day: 15

Month: August

Year: 2017

Prepared for: California Department of Fish and Wildlife; San Diego Association of Governments;

Prepared by: University of California, Davis;

Keywords: connectivity; mountain lion; Puma concolor;

Species: Mountain lion

Threats: Loss of connectivity

Projects:

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File owner: San Diego Management and Monitoring Program
UC Davis report to CDFW-SANDAG re NCMSCP final.pdf