IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Fecske, D.M.; Thompson, D.J.; Jenks, J.A.; Oehler, M. | |
| North Dakota Mountain Lion Status Report | |
| 2008 Full Book | |
To understand the mountain lion population in North Dakota from a regional perspective, it was important to identify potential origins of these animals, assess the genetic health of the relatively isolated population in the Badlands, and determine likely migration routes among the Dakota states. Additionally, due to the large presence of ranching and agricultural operations in the Dakotas, it was appropriate to document the extent that domestic and livestock species occurred in diets of lions. Cooperative research between the NDGFD and SDSU was initiated to: 1) assess the genetic status of Dakota mountain lions; 2) create and test a habitat suitability map for lions in the Dakota states; and 3) Document food habits of mountain lions found in prairie and Badland landscapes. Additionally, in 2008, a cooperative research project between the NDGFD and TRNP was initiated to begin to collect additional ecological and demographic information (e.g., movements, habitat use, spatial relationships, food habits, survival and reproduction) on mountain lions in the Badlands. The initial objectives of the pilot project were to: 1) implement and evaluate mountain lion capture protocols developed in South Dakota and adapt as necessary for use in the Badlands; 2) gain preliminary insights about lion ecology in the Badlands (e.g., extent of animal movements, habitat preferences, kill rates; and 3) test methods and gain insights about feasibility, logistics, sampling variation, performance of equipment, and other issues that are critical considerations for study planning (Oehler et al. 2008). This report summarizes information collected from reported mountain lion sightings in 2007, the 2007-08 hunting season, and initial findings from ongoing cooperative research efforts with SDSU. |
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