IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Torres, S.G.; Mansfield, T.M.; Foley, J.E.; Lupo, T.; Brinkhaus, A. | |
| Mountain lion and human activity in California: testing speculations | |
| 1996 Wildlife Society Bulletin (24): 451-460 | |
We compiled and analyzed 24 years (1972-1995) of verified incidents of mountains lions killing domestic animals (n = 2,663) to examine trend distribution, and types of conflicts in California. To model the relationships between mountain lion depredation and various human activity and habitat factors, we tested 2 predictive models. Domestic sheep depredation in counties was significantly (P< 0.05) related to amount of suitable mountain lion habitat. We hypothesize that increasing domestic sheep depredation may reflect regional increase in the distribution and abundance of mountain lions. A regression model of percent pet depredation indicated a significant (P< 0.05) association with average annual new house development (1979-1993). Counties with significant pet depredation are in the same regions where public safety problems have occurred and reflect a radiation of human activity into mountain lion habitat. Mountain lion depredation data may be a useful index of regional mountain lion activity. Livestock and pet depredation problems are increasing in different regions of the state for different reasons; pet depredations are increasing the most rapidly. Pet depredation may be a useful indicator of mountain lion proximity to humans. |
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