Cougar Dispersal Patterns, Metapopulation Dynamics, and Conservation

@article{Sweanor2000CougarDP,
  title={Cougar Dispersal Patterns, Metapopulation Dynamics, and Conservation},
  author={Linda L. Sweanor and Kenneth A. Logan and Maurice G. Hornocker},
  journal={Conservation Biology},
  year={2000},
  volume={14}
}
We examined cougar ( Puma concolor ) dispersal, emigration, and immigration in the San Andres Mountains, New Mexico, from 1985 to 1995 to quantify the effects of dispersal on the local population and surrounding subpopulations. [] Key Method We captured, tagged, and radio-collared animals to detect the arrival of new immigrants and dispersal characteristics of progeny. We found that cougars in southern New Mexico exhib- ited a metapopulation structure in which cougar subpopulations were separated by expanses…
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258 Citations
Highly Influential Citations
33
Background Citations
112
Methods Citations
4
Results Citations
16

258 Citations

Dispersal movements of subadult cougars from the Black Hills: the notions of range expansion and recolonization

Dispersal plays a vital role in cougar (Puma concolor) population ecology, creating genetic viability and maintaining gene flow between populations. The naturally recolonized cougar population in the…

Space-use, movement and dispersal of sub-adult cougars in a geographically isolated population

Although certain habitat characteristics were preferred, transient and localizing cougars used fast-paced nocturnal movements and shortened daytime movements when traversing open habitats to effectively limit their residency and exposure in less-suitable landscapes.

Cougar Dispersal and Natal Homing in a Desert Environment

Abstract. We present a review of cougar dispersal literature and the first evidence of natural (i.e., unmanipulated) homing behavior by a dispersing male cougar (Puma concolor) that sustained severe…

GENETIC STRUCTURE OF COUGAR POPULATIONS ACROSS THE WYOMING BASIN: METAPOPULATION OR MEGAPOPULATION

Based on measures of gene flow, extinction risk in the near future appears low and Bayesian assignment to population based on individual genotypes showed that cougars in this region were best described as a single panmictic population.

Florida panther dispersal and conservation

Long-Distance Dispersal of a Female Cougar in a Basin and Range Landscape

Abstract We used Global Positioning System technology to document distance, movement path, vegetation, and elevations used by a dispersing subadult female cougar (Puma concolor) through the…

Cougar Exploitation Levels in Utah: Implications for Demographic Structure, Population Recovery, and Metapopulation Dynamics

Abstract Currently, 11 western states and 2 Canadian provinces use sport hunting as the primary mechanism for managing cougar (Puma concolor) populations. Yet the impacts of sustained harvest on…

Modelling potential dispersal corridors for cougars in midwestern North America using least-cost path methods

Density-Dependent Natal Dispersal Patterns in a Leopard Population Recovering from Over-Harvest

It is concluded that conservation interventions that facilitated local demographic recovery in the study area also restored dispersal patterns disrupted by unsustainable harvesting, and that this indirectly improved connectivity among leopard populations over a larger landscape.

Potential cougar habitats and dispersal corridors in Eastern North America

Context Cougars ( Puma concolor ) have been recolonizing Midwestern North America during the past 3 decades with > 950 cougar confirmations east of established populations. Due to an increase in…
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