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Proceedings of the Ninth Mountain Lion Workshop - Carnivore ...

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depredation on goats newly introduced to a large ranch. Developed-zone subadult<br />

females, SM901 and SM889, were collared as dependent juveniles, and both were killed<br />

post-independence for depredation on Barbados sheep on ranchette properties. Subadult<br />

female SF889 was in thin, poor condition at time <strong>of</strong> death.<br />

Dispersal<br />

Five subadult animals were collared as dependent juveniles, and an additional subadult<br />

was collared while already dispersing, at 13 ±1 months old. Dispersal parameter values<br />

are displayed in Table 3, including number <strong>of</strong> dispersal location fixes; minimum age <strong>of</strong><br />

independence; age <strong>of</strong> dispersal; duration <strong>of</strong> dispersal movements; linear distance<br />

dispersed; summed distance traveled, direction moved; natal zone; zone where dispersal<br />

was completed; and puma fate. The collar <strong>of</strong> subadult female SF889 failed prior to<br />

independence from its collared mo<strong>the</strong>r, with only carcass location indicating dispersal,<br />

and age <strong>of</strong> independence and dispersal unknown.<br />

Table 3. Dispersal parameters for GPS-collared subadult pumas in California’s Western<br />

Sierra Nevada, 2002-2006. Puma ID: S = subadult, M = male, F = female. Zone: U =<br />

undeveloped, D = Developed. NA = Not applicable, puma did not disperse.<br />

Dispersal Parameter SM119 SM130 SM170 SF881 SF889 SF901<br />

Age <strong>of</strong> independence 13<br />

(mos, ±6 wks)<br />

1<br />

12 12 12 unknown 11<br />

Age at dispersal<br />

(mos, ±1 month)<br />

13 14 14 13 unknown NA<br />

Dispersal<br />

period (days)<br />

108 124 147 2<br />

56 unknown NA<br />

Euclidean distance<br />

dispersed (km)<br />

23.2 38.4 141.1 27.2 16.2 0<br />

Summed distance<br />

traveled (km)<br />

138.7 86.3 194.0 31.5 unknown 0<br />

Movement direction SW, N SW SW, SE SSE W NA<br />

Natal zone U U U U U D<br />

Dispersal zone D D D D D D<br />

Mortality: reason Y: puma N N N Y:<br />

Y:<br />

depredation depredation<br />

1<br />

Puma already independent when captured at 13 mos. <strong>of</strong> age.<br />

2<br />

Collar failed during dispersal.<br />

All pumas gained independence between 11 and 13 months <strong>of</strong> age, with a mean <strong>of</strong> 12<br />

months (n = 5, margin <strong>of</strong> error 1.5 months). Five <strong>of</strong> 6 independence-aged animals<br />

dispersed, including all 3 males and 2 <strong>of</strong> 3 females. Documented dispersal age for 4<br />

subadults ranged from 13 to 14 months with a mean <strong>of</strong> 13.5 months (margin <strong>of</strong> error 1<br />

month). Dispersal movements were documented to proceed for a minimum <strong>of</strong> 56 to a<br />

<strong>Proceedings</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ninth</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> <strong>Lion</strong> <strong>Workshop</strong><br />

135

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