Ecology of a mountain lion population in Southern Texas /
Base-line ecological characteristics are needed to establish
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1998.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=736753301&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | Base-line ecological characteristics are needed to establish a state-wide management plan for mountain lions (Puma concolor) in Texas. I studied spatial patterns, habitat use, food habits, and demographic characteristics of a mountain lion population on privately owned lands in southern Texas. During a 3-year period (Mar 1994-Mar 1997). 19 mountain lions were captured and radiocollared. Average annual ranges (100% minimum convex polygon, km2) for adult female mountain lions (131.76) were smaller (P < 0.01) than for adult males (503.48). Male-male and male-female mountain lion annual range overlap was extensive and annual shifts were apparent (P < 0.05). Adult (4 F, 5 M) mountain lions did not use (P < 0.0001) habitats in proportion to availability. In general, riparian habitats were preferred (P < 0.1) and chaparral habitats were avoided (P > 0.1) or used proportionately by female and male mountain lions. Subadult male (n = 4) and female (n = 6) mountain lions dispersed at <13 months and dispersal distances (km) ranged from 11.0-95.6 and 6.3-23.1, respectively. Mountain lions consumed a variety of prey and preferred white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)(P < 0.1), avoided feral hog (Sus scrofa)(P < 0.1), and showed no selection for collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu)(P > 0.1). Mountain lion litters (n = 13) were uniformly distributed by season (P > 0.05) and minimum litter size (x + SD) was 1.77 + 0.83. Mountain lion density ranged from 0.59-0.74 (No/100 km2). Mountain lions (radiocollared + nonradiocollared) died from hunting (n = 23), predator control practices (n = 3), and other causes (n = 3) on the study area. Annual survival for male and female mountain lions was 0.81 and 0.59, respectively. High mortality and low productivity of female mountain lions may limit population levels in southern Texas. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Wildlife Science". Available on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Physical Description: | xix, 176 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliiographical references: pages 156-172. |