Proceedings of the Ninth Mountain Lion Workshop - Carnivore ...
Proceedings of the Ninth Mountain Lion Workshop - Carnivore ...
Proceedings of the Ninth Mountain Lion Workshop - Carnivore ...
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Research and Educational Efforts by <strong>the</strong> Cougar Network<br />
Clayton K. Nielsen, Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Illinois<br />
University, Carbondale, IL 62901-6504, USA, kezo92@siu.edu<br />
Mark J. Dowling, Cougar Network, 75 White Avenue, Concord, MA 01742, USA,<br />
mdowling@cougarnet.org<br />
C. Kenneth Miller, Cougar Network, 75 White Avenue, Concord, MA 01742, USA,<br />
kmiller@cougarnet.org<br />
Robert D. Wilson, Cougar Network, 75 White Avenue, Concord, MA 01742, USA,<br />
bwilson@cougarnet.org<br />
Harley G. Shaw, P. O. Box 486, Hillsboro, NM 88042, USA, hgshaw@zianet.com<br />
Charles R. Anderson, Jr., Colorado Division <strong>of</strong> Wildlife, 711 Independent Avenue, Grand<br />
Junction, CO 81505, USA, Chuck.Anderson@state.co.us<br />
Scott R. Wilson, 5001 Ravenna Avenue NE, Apartment 19, Seattle, WA 98105, USA,<br />
swilson7@gmail.com<br />
ABSTRACT The goal <strong>of</strong> this poster is to showcase <strong>the</strong> non-pr<strong>of</strong>it Cougar Network’s<br />
efforts to document cougar presence east <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir established range, conduct research on<br />
cougar ecology and human dimensions, and provide wildlife biologists and <strong>the</strong> general<br />
public with training and information. Since 2003, <strong>the</strong> Cougar Network has consulted<br />
with its board <strong>of</strong> scientific advisors, wildlife agencies, universities, and o<strong>the</strong>r wildlife<br />
biologists to collect definitive evidence (e.g., carcasses, photographs) <strong>of</strong> cougar (Puma<br />
concolor) presence east <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir established range. This database represents <strong>the</strong> foremost<br />
repository <strong>of</strong> information regarding cougar confirmations in <strong>the</strong> Midwest, and is highly<br />
valued by wildlife biologists and <strong>the</strong> public alike. Scientific research efforts conducted<br />
thus far by <strong>the</strong> Cougar Network, in conjunction with Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Illinois University <strong>of</strong><br />
Carbondale, include: (1) prediction <strong>of</strong> suitable cougar habitat and dispersal corridors in 9<br />
midwestern states, (2) a survey <strong>of</strong> human attitudes towards cougars in 2 midwestern<br />
states, and (3) a study <strong>of</strong> jaguar (Pan<strong>the</strong>ra onca) and cougar occupancy in relation to<br />
livestock operations in Sonora, Mexico. The Cougar Network is also active in training<br />
wildlife biologists (especially those from <strong>the</strong> Midwest and East with little cougar<br />
experience) by conducting cougar field workshops. The Cougar Network has also<br />
printed <strong>the</strong> latest Puma Field Guide and publishes Wild Cat News, an acclaimed<br />
newsletter that summarizes a variety <strong>of</strong> felid research and management projects<br />
conducted worldwide. These efforts have contributed to our understanding <strong>of</strong> cougars<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r Felidae, especially in <strong>the</strong> Midwest, and will help wildlife biologists face present<br />
and future management challenges.<br />
<strong>Proceedings</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ninth</strong> <strong>Mountain</strong> <strong>Lion</strong> <strong>Workshop</strong><br />
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