IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Sikich, J.A.; Riley, S.P.D. | |
| P22: Will this mountain lion make it in Hollywood? | |
| 2014 Conference Proceeding | |
Understanding the movements and ecology of mountain lions (Puma concolor) is critical for the effective conservation of this wide-ranging and low-density species, especially in urban fragmented landscapes. In February 2012 a mountain lion was discovered by remote cameras in Griffith Park, an isolated 20 km2 patch of habitat next to downtown Los Angeles that is completely surrounded by freeways and development. In March 2012, the National Park Service captured and GPS radio-collared a young male (P22), who we continue to follow as part of our long term study of mountain lion ecology, behavior, and conservation in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) and the surrounding region. Genetic testing indicates that P22 is closely related to mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains to the west, in which case he would have had to cross two major freeways (405 and 101) to arrive in Griffith Park. We report on P22's movement patterns, diet, and locations within Griffith Park's natural areas and the surrounding urban communities. Griffith Park receives 10 million visitors yearly, and yet P22 remains elusive and is rarely seen by people. P22 has also become an ambassador for wildlife and corridor needs in the Los Angeles area, as his story has been well covered in media outlets. We have documented many anthropogenic threats to mountain lions over the course of our research, including anticoagulant rodenticide exposure, road mortality, and potentially increased intraspecific conflict. Continued tracking of P22 will provide important insights on mountain lion survival and movement in an isolated and urban landscape, including whether and were he moves out of Griffith Park. Following mountain lions, including P22, in the fragmented habitats surrounding SMMNRA will allow us to identify habitat linkages and corridors critical to the survival of mountain lions and other large mammals. In addition, we hope to determine how mountain lions can best coexist with humans in this complex urban-wildland interface. |
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