A Spatially Explicit Model of Cougar (Puma concolor) Habitat Relationships for Two Sites In Utah (2002—Present)
Master of Science research: Wendy Robinson Rieth in collaboration with David Stoner and Mike Wolfe.
Habitat loss and fragmentation are the primary threats to the persistence of cougar populations (Puma concolor) in the western United States, particularly on the periphery of wildlands. In Utah, urban sprawl emanating from the Wasatch Front is rapidly reducing agricultural buffers that historically separated deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and cougar habitat from human communities. Spatially-explicit habitat models will be useful in identifying and monitoring habitat in order to limit the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on these cougar population. Two cougar populations in Utah have been monitored over the past 9 years using conventional and GPS telemetry; one along an urban-wildland interface on the Oquirrh Mountain range and one on a wildland site on Monroe Mountain in the Fishlake National Forest.
This project uses hierarchical, spatially-explicit models of cougar habitat on these ranges using telemetry data and statistical models within a GIS. Primary objectives are to: (1) quantify cougar use versus availability of land cover types on these ranges at second and third orders of selection using compositional analysis, and (2) identify key environmental correlates that predict intensity of cougar habitat use through discrete choice modeling, and use the results to generate probabilistic maps. Cougars are most active during crepuscular and nocturnal hours, moving longer distances and potentially using different cover types than when resting in security cover during daylight hours. Discrete choice models allow for a more refined definition of habitat availability than traditional methods, and also allow hierarchical examination of habitat use over multiple behaviors or time periods. Cougars are not easily surveyed, and managers currently use estimates of habitat in models that determine allowable cougar harvest in Utah. Spatially-explicit habitat models will be an important tool in developing and refining conservation and management plans for the species, as well as in managing potential human-cougar conflict.
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