IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Alldredge, M.W. | |
| Cougar and bear demographics and human interactions in Colorado | |
| 2014 Full Book | |
The use of telomeres as a method to determine the age structure of bear and cougar populations has continued to be examined. The age-to-length relationship for bears is near completion and should be completed in the coming year for cougars. We have completed the fourth year of a Ph.D. project with the University of Wisconsin to examine telomeres in detail for bears. This project will also look at stable isotopes to examine foraging ecology and bear use of human food sources. We have also completed a M.S. project with the University of Wisconsin to examine telomeres and stable isotopes for cougars relative to predation on domestic animals and cougar foraging ecology. Our principal research objective is to assess cougar population ecology, prey use, movements, and interactions with humans along the urban-exurban Front Range of Colorado. This year capture efforts focused on re-collaring previously collared cougars, and capturing previously unmarked independent-age cougars and cubs. In addition to re-collaring cougars we collared 4 new cougars, primarily younger individuals. Mortality was high over the year with 6 mortalities for independent age cougars (predominantly human related and natural causes) (Table 1). Home-range patterns remained consistent to previous years. Relocation of cougars as a management tool has had limited assessment, but given some success, still warrants further investigation. Mule deer are the predominant prey in cougar diets, although cougars will also utilize elk regularly. The majority of this project has been completed and the focus of this year's efforts was on noninvasive sampling of cougars and bobcats. |
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