Cougars in Cache: Approaching the beast from multiple perspectives
Class
Article
Graduation Year
2018
College
S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
Department
Wildland Resources Department
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Daniel MacNulty
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
The cougar (Puma concolor) is a notoriously difficult study animal due to its elusive behavior, wide-ranging movements, and low density on the landscape. As a result, the majority of information about cougars comes solely from human-caused mortality records, which are both a biased and imprecise measure of the population as a whole. Additionally, harvest rates of cougars have been increased over the past few years despite a lack of concrete information on Utah cougar populations. Therefore, more accurate means of monitoring are necessary to guide state management of the species. By using and comparing multiple methods for cougar monitoring, including trail cameras, tracking, hunting records, extensive literature review, and public sightings, our research group has been able to gather information about cougar activity in the Cache area. Success of such a complex project has hinged on recruiting research partners and volunteers to participate. Our research contributes to the knowledge of the local wildlife populations and highlights the benefits and risks of implementing large-scale research via citizen scientists.
Location
South Atrium
Start Date
4-13-2017 1:30 PM
End Date
4-13-2017 2:45 PM
Cougars in Cache: Approaching the beast from multiple perspectives
South Atrium
The cougar (Puma concolor) is a notoriously difficult study animal due to its elusive behavior, wide-ranging movements, and low density on the landscape. As a result, the majority of information about cougars comes solely from human-caused mortality records, which are both a biased and imprecise measure of the population as a whole. Additionally, harvest rates of cougars have been increased over the past few years despite a lack of concrete information on Utah cougar populations. Therefore, more accurate means of monitoring are necessary to guide state management of the species. By using and comparing multiple methods for cougar monitoring, including trail cameras, tracking, hunting records, extensive literature review, and public sightings, our research group has been able to gather information about cougar activity in the Cache area. Success of such a complex project has hinged on recruiting research partners and volunteers to participate. Our research contributes to the knowledge of the local wildlife populations and highlights the benefits and risks of implementing large-scale research via citizen scientists.