Date of Award:

5-2017

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Wildland Resources

Committee Chair(s)

Eric M. Gese

Committee

Eric M. Gese

Committee

Mary M. Conner

Committee

Craig M. Thompson

Abstract

We conducted this research to gain insight into mountain lion (Puma concolor) prey composition in the Sierra National Forest of California. Managers in the region are concerned with both causes of declines and inability to increase fisher (Pekania pennanti) populations. Research has shown that mountain lions are a threat to fishers due to direct predation of this forest specialist. We radio-collared 5 adult mountain lions in order to determine prey composition and kill rates. As expected, mountain lions selected primarily for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). However we did detect other prey such as gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), coyotes (Canis latrans), one black bear (Ursus americana), one ringtail (Bassariscus astutus), and several squirrels.

Mountain lions are elusive, apex predators that rely on dense cover for stalking, ambushing, and caching prey. Our interest was to gain an understanding of landscape attributes selected for by mountain lions within the full study area and a subset of the study area where LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data had been collected at both point clusters where we detected prey remains, as well as, non-cluster (moving) locations. We were interested in landscape attributes not only where lions successfully made a kill, but also where they were moving through the landscape. Based on kill sites where we detected evidence of a carcass drag ( > 95% were < 50 m in length), we created zones of predation risk within the full study area and the LiDAR study area. We used the same 50m buffer around moving locations as well. We then developed resource selection function models for locations during two behavioral states: moving and killing, for winter and summer months. We found that zones of predation risk were mainly characterized by close proximity to mapped roads in the full study area and digitized roads and skid trails within the LiDAR study area. Moving locations were mainly associated with terrain variables such as ruggedness and slope along with close proximity to streams during summer months. Since we lack LiDAR data for most of the study area, we can assume that there is a high density of unmapped roads and skid trails. We recommend managers map any linear feature that has been anthropogenically created for future management actions. With respect to fisher populations, we recommend replanting skid trails and roads that increase habitat fragmentation which further puts fishers at risk of predation by mountain lions.

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