3-Dec-2025
Roads, development disrupt movement of young mountain lions in California
University of Nebraska-LincolnPeer-Reviewed Publication
A new study led by Nebraska's John Benson and Kyle Dougherty shows young mountain lions in California struggle to disperse between populations because they avoid developed areas and busy roads, limiting the gene flow needed to keep populations healthy. The study shows that freeways and human development isolate vulnerable populations, while small habitat patches and potential wildlife crossings could help restore connectivity.
- Journal
- Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
- Funder
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources, Nature Conservancy, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, California Parks and Recreation, U.S. Department of Defense, McBeth Foundation, Anza Borrego Foundation, Natural Communities Coalition, U.S. National Science Foundation, Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency, San Diego Association of Governments Environmental Mitigation Program, San Diego Foundation, Felidae Conservation Fund, Mountain Lion Foundation, Santa Rosa Plateau Foundation, Institute for Wildlife Studies, National Park Service, California State Parks, Santa Monica Mountains Fund, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Calabasas Landfill, Audubon Canyon Ranch, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Peninsula Open Space Trust