IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Jalkotzy, M.; Ross, I.; Gunson, J.R. | |
| Management plan for cougars in Alberta | |
| 1992 Full Book | |
Although widely distributed in southern and western Alberta during early exploration and settlement, cougar numbers were reduced by the turn of this century. This plan is designed to be a blueprint for the future management of cougars in Alberta. Section 2.0 outlines current knowledge of cougar history and biology both in Alberta and in North America generally, and summarizes use of the resource and management efforts to the present day. Section 3.0 recommends goals, objectives, and strategies to ensure the cougar remains an integral part of Alberta's natural environment, and to encourage, at the same time, the wise use of the cougar resource. Management Policies, Goals, Objectives and Strategies 1. The cougar population, at 640 on provincial lands, will be maintained in Alberta. 2. Cougar populations will be managed on regional Cougar Management Areas. Maximum allowable annual man-caused mortality in any specific CMA will be 15 percent. 3. Recreational hunting management strategies for cougar will protect regional populations through harvest quotas on a CMA basis, an approximate 48-hour registration requirement, and a maximum annual harvest of 10 percent. The hunting season, open throughout the foothills and mountain region, will be for three months in the winter. 4. Collection of biological data from dead cougars will continue. Mandatory submission of skulls from hunters will replace the existing voluntary program. All cougar mortalities regardless of cause will be registered. 5. The moratorium on pursuit seasons, i.e., special seasons outside of hunting seasons in which houndsmen train dogs or provide viewing opportunities, will be maintained. Should nonconsumptive demand increase, this strategy will be reviewed. 6. The Division will initiate discussions with the appropriate land management agencies and grazing patrons regarding management strategies to minimize cougar-cattle conflicts on public land. In cases of confirmed cougar damage on private land, the Division will atempt to remove the offending cougar, almost always by translocation to another area. 7. Additional studies of cougar populations will be encouraged. One component of study should focus on the effects of predation on prey populations. 8. The Division will provide an extension service to educate residents about cougar in Alberta. |
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