Progress 07/01/03 to 06/30/04
Outputs
During this project period, the diets of four collared mountain lions (one male and three females) were assessed and evaluated. These lions utilized land within and around Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (CRSP). By analyzing their movement patterns, we were able to find and document kill (prey) sites, as well as determine home ranges and seasonal movement patterns. Deer were the primary prey for lions living in and around CRSP. The lion that ranged in ABDSP also preyed on bighorn sheep. Other prey items were coyotes, bobcats, and raccoon. It was determined that lions would readily scavenge deer carcasses that were set out as bait. A manuscript has recently been submitted to a scientific, peer-reviewed journal.
Impacts
Knowledge of puma activity and behavior patterns, home ranges, and diet will be used by State Parks as they plan to rebuild trails and park structures at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in the aftermath of the 2003 Cedar Fire. It will also provide important educational information. Education of park visitors and landowners near park boundaries will help prevent dangerous puma encounters.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
A total of 20 pumas were captured, radiocollared, and monitored during the last 3 years. Data on puma activity periods, home ranges, prey composition, and use of Park lands were analyzed. The analyses, as well as management recommendations, were reported in a document to State Parks in January 2004. In summary, pumas are most active after sunset, throughout the night, and before sunrise. Puma home ranges overlapped Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (with 3 pumas utilizing Anza Borrego Desert State Park) as well as the adjoining public and private lands. Prey animals were mostly mule deer, but pumas also preyed on bighorn sheep, smaller wildlife, and domestic animals (pets and hobby animals). There are a great number of trails running through CRSP. Pumas were documented as often being active near trails and fire roads, but this was because they could not move very far within the park without being in close proximity to these features. Puma mortalities were due mostly to human
intervention (n = 4 shot for depredating domestic pets/hobby animals; n = 1 was hit by a car). The remainder of puma mortalities were due to: n = 1 died from burns in the Cedar Fire; n = 1 killed by another puma; and n = 4 died most likely from disease. At the end of Dec. 2003, there were 4 radiocollared pumas still being monitored. The devastating Cedar Fire decimated most of CRSP and was responsible for the death of one of the study pumas. It will be important to continue monitoring the puma population as CRSP is restored and as the ecosystem heals from the fire. This study will continue under other funding sources and further capture and monitoring efforts are already planned for 2004.
Impacts
Knowledge of puma activity and behavior patterns, home ranges, and diet will be used by State Parks as they plan to rebuild trails and park structures in the aftermath of the 2003 Cedar Fire. Education of park visitors and landowners near park boundaries will help prevent dangerous puma encounters
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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