IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Shaw, H.G.; Mattson, D.J.; Haynes, E.A.; Wilson, S.M. | |
| Livestock and lions: A research program to learn coexistence strategies | |
| 2014 Conference Proceeding | |
Conservation of ecologically functional populations of cougars (_Puma concolor_) is dependent, in part, on reducing conflicts with livestock producers and reducing related preventative or retaliatory kills. Appreciable depredation of livestock by cougars is largely restricted to either sheep or to cow calves in warm semi-arid to arid regions. Our preliminary investigations in Arizona suggest that terrain ruggedness, warmth, and aridity together engender husbandry practices that lead to greater availability of vulnerable cow calves. We hypothesize that polled breeds, cow-calf operations, low stocking densities, and year-round breeding and calving are at the root of problematic dynamics, in places amplified by source-sink dynamics that recruit young dispersing cougars into livestock producing areas. Given the potential importance of coexistence between livestock and cougars to long term conservation of cougar populations, we advocate a large-scale research effort to test the efficacy of different husbandry practices in reducing cougar depredation. Such a program would ideally focus on ranges with histories of depredation and employ controls through a paired design. Candidate treatments would include use of more aggressive horned breeds, abbreviation of breeding and calving seasons, and concentration of calving cows under conditions where they could be given greater protection. Execution of such studies would, at a minimum, depend upon recruiting ranchers to participate and finding financial resources to alleviate the economic costs and risks of participation. We recommend that any such study include assessment of economic feasibility and practicality to the rancher, as well as potential impact on range condition. |
|
 |
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 |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |