IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Spreadbury, B.R.; Musil, K.; Musil, J.; Kaisner, C.; Kovak, J. | |
| Cougar population characteristics in southeastern British Columbia | |
| 1996 Journal of Wildlife Management (60): 962-969 | |
We studied a cougar (_Puma concolor)_ population from May 1985 to November 1987 on a 540-km2 area in southeastern British Columbia (BC) to collect detailed ecological data to assist in refining regional species management. We used capture-recapture and radiotelemetry techniques, observed 34 different cougars, and estimated winter densities of 3,5 cougars / 100km2 (1985-86) and 3.7 cougars/ 100km2 (1986-87). Sex ratios of 20 kittens and 12 adults did not differ significantly from equality (P> 0.05). Kittens made up 55-58% of the population each winter. Mean litter size was 3.1+-1.2 (SD) kittens/ litter (n = 7). Birth intervals were 15-23 months. Eight juveniles dispersed 12-163 km from the study area. Mortality was 5.3% of the population the first winter, and 15% the second winter. Four of 7 mortalities were human-related (vehicular) despite the area being closed to hunting. Home range size of 4 resident females were 31+- 10km2 (SD) in winter, 35km2 +- 14 in summer, and 55km2 +- 25 yearly with low or no home range overlap. Two resident males yearly home ranges averaged 151km2. No male home range overlap was documented. |
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