Estimating mountain lion (Puma concolor) population parameters in Texas

Conservation concerns for mountain lions (Puma concolor) in Texas include high mortality rates, effect of an open hunting season, habitat loss and fragmentation, and potential genetic isolation. To develop a comprehensive management program capable of ensuring a stable population, available habitat, potential distribution, and methods for estimating viability of mountain lion populations are needed.;I used literature descriptions of mountain lion habitat to model potential available habitat in Texas. Habitat variables important in modeling mountain lion habitat were terrain ruggedness and water. Ecological niche modeling indicates mountain lion distribution in Texas has likely been reduced from a historic statewide population to a population primarily restricted to 6 ecoregions: Trans-Pecos, Edwards Plateau, Llano Uplift, South Texas Plains, Coastal Sand Plains, and Rolling Plains. Habitats within Texas currently exist in blocks that meet or exceed minimum reserve sizes. I identified habitat tracts meeting recommended minimum size for mountain lion persistence, assessed the interconnectivity of habitat, and assessed the ability of state and federal lands to provide habitat for mountain lions.;Annual mortality rates for mountain lions in the Trans-Pecos ranged from 0.45-0.56 for males and from 0.57-0.70 for females. Human related mortality was the highest cause of mortality for mountain lions in Texas whereas intraspecific strife and natural causes were minor sources of mortality and only occurred at Big Bend National Park. Although mortality rates were high, population viability analysis for the Trans-Pecos indicates that an open season does not appear to affect population persistence whereas the South Texas Plains appears to be able to tolerate a 3-month season under current mortality rates.