IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group Library

IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library

View printer friendly
Gilad, O.; Janecka, J.E.; Armstrong, F.; Tewes, M.E.; Honeycutt, R.L.
Cougars in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas: estimates of occurrence and distribution using analysis of DNA
2011 The Southwestern Naturalist (56): 297-304
We used non-invasive genetic techniques to investigate the number and distribution of cougars (_Puma concolor_) inhabiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas. During 8 years, $31 resident and transient cougars were identified genetically and $15 individuals used the park in 2002. Based on estimates of size of home ranges of males and females, the park should support 4-6 resident adults. Genetic data suggest a high number of transients and, perhaps, an unstable population that may be the result of intense hunting pressure outside protected areas. Analysis of genetic diversity indicates restricted gene flow between the park and other populations in western Texas.
	PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here