Commonly called mountain lions and pumas, cougars are typically considered to be numerous in the West. However, they have been eliminated from about 50 percent of that territory and as much as two-thirds of the North American range. Historically ranging from Chile to British Columbia and east to the Atlantic seaboard, the cougar has been virtually eliminated east of the Mississippi, and its fate in the West is threatened by increasing habitat loss and fragmentation. Cougars in Texas, the northern Rockies and southern California have disappeared from much of their former range.
Increased suburban expansion into cougar habitat is the main cause of habitat loss and fragmentation for western cougars. Losing these top predators can have serious ecological implications: when top predators disappear from the landscape, other species that share the habitat experience overpopulation or population decline. New suburban developments shrink cougar habitat and create habitat islands, placing a greater number of cougars in close contact with humans. Increased chances for cougar-human encounters can result in harm to humans or the eventual destruction of cougars. Roads to accommodate suburban growth also present significant threats by preventing cats from dispersing and increasing cougar deaths due to vehicle collision.
Return to Endangered Cats map.
|
Once a vital part of the natural landscape throughout the Rocky Mountains and northern forests in the U.S., the graceful and mysterious lynx is struggling to survive. While lynx remain in Canada and Alaska, only a sparse number now exist in Maine, Montana, Wyoming, Washington and Colorado. In March of 2000, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the lynx as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act.
Habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from certain forest management practices as well as impacts from some winter recreational activities also play a major part in the lynx's struggles. Timber extraction can have a negative impact on lynx by changing the habitat conditions the cats need to survive. For example, clear cutting creates exposed areas that lynx will not inhabit and may be reluctant to cross. Roads and trails present another threat to lynx by fragmenting their habitat and isolating lynx populations. Forest roads give humans increased access to lynx habitat, increasing the risk of illegal poaching and incidental trapping of lynx. Motor vehicles can also contribute to lynx mortality: collisions with cars played a major role in thwarting a reintroduction effort that was attempted in New York. Lack of data available on lynx compounds other threats facing the cat. The feline's elusive nature makes it difficult for surveyors to find and count individual cats, and fluctuations in numbers and distribution are often difficult to interpret. Much is still unknown about this elusive cat, further complicating recovery efforts.
Although many acres of wild lands have been degraded or destroyed in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, important areas still do support cats. Conserving these lands is vital to helping North America's wild cats survive. In areas like New England, where habitat has been greatly reduced, conservation efforts must focus on preserving what little native land is left, and then protecting additional wilderness areas.
Support NWF's conservation efforts by symbolically adopting a Canada Lynx today.
Return to Endangered Cats map.
|
