More than 1,400 California mountain lions are now protected under the state’s Endangered Species Act. On Thursday, the California Fish and Game Commission unanimously voted to list six isolated puma populations in Southern California and the Central Coast as threatened, meaning they are likely to become endangered without intervention.
New Protections for Vulnerable Populations
The decision comes after a petition submitted seven years ago by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Mountain Lion Foundation. Commissioners believe proactive measures are essential, with Commissioner Erika Zavaleta stating, “I believe it’s better for us to capture action before we gain to that point.”
These populations, ranging from the Bay Area to the U.S.-Mexico border, face unique challenges including habitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, disease, and exposure to rat poison. Scientists and conservationists point to a critical loss of genetic diversity, with cougar clans in the Santa Monica and Santa Ana mountains facing a 16% to 28% chance of extinction within 50 years if they cannot interbreed with other populations.
Concerns from Ranchers and Farmers
The decision was not without opposition. Ranchers and farmers expressed concerns that the new protections will hinder their ability to address safety risks to livestock and people. Vince Fontana, a fourth-generation rancher from San Mateo County, argued the lions are “overpopulated” and “out of food,” suggesting the protections could be detrimental.
State wildlife officials acknowledge the complexities of managing mountain lion populations, noting that some populations are thriving while others are at risk. The newly listed populations include those in the Santa Cruz, Santa Monica, San Gabriel, San Bernardino, Santa Ana mountains, and the Eastern Peninsular ranges.
Several initiatives are already underway to aid mountain lion survival, including the construction of a wildlife crossing over the 101 Freeway and a law requiring cities to consider wildlife connectivity in land-employ planning. However, officials caution that restoring genetic diversity will “take decades.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “threatened” status mean for these mountain lion populations?
Being listed as “threatened” under the state’s Endangered Species Act provides a legal mandate for state agencies to protect the lions, allows wildlife officials to develop a recovery plan, and requires more wildlife-friendly development in lion habitats, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.
What were the main arguments in favor of listing these populations?
Proponents, including the National Wildlife Federation and the San Diego Humane Society, argued that mountain lions are a keystone species vital to biodiversity and deserve protection. They as well pointed to the public’s affection for iconic lions like the late P-22 from Los Angeles and a recent visitor to San Francisco.
Are all mountain lion populations in California at risk?
No. Populations on the northwestern coast and both sides of the Sierra Nevada are not included in this listing, as they are not currently considered to be facing the same level of threat.
As California navigates the challenges of coexistence with these apex predators, will these new protections be enough to secure the future of these vulnerable mountain lion populations?
