Proceedings of the fifth mountain lion workshop: 27

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72 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIFTH MOUNTAIN LION WORKSHOP Mortality Cause Number Taken by Ecological Region Total Trans-Pecos Mountains and Basins Edwards Plateau South Texas Plains Private Hunter 48 1 0 49 Landowner 23 0 0 23 Animal Damage Control (Government) 27 26 0 53 Sport Hunter 6 3 17 26 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department 9 0 0 9 Accident 1 2 0 3 Total 114 32 17 163 East Texas, comprised primarily of the Pineywoods and Post Oak Savannah ecological regions, has become a focal point concerning the status of Texas lions. The first Pineywoods sighting in modern times was recorded in 1990 and had increased to 28 sightings in 15 counties by 1995. Three lion mortalities were recorded in this region since 1990. The Post Oak Savannah had single sightings recorded in 1983 and in 1984. Sightings had increased to 25 in 12 Post Oak Savannah counties by 1995. Juvenile lion sightings also increased dramatically with 10 sightings in the two regions between 1992 and 1995. Mountain lions seem to be extending their range in the eastern regions of Texas. Department data indicates the present distribution of the mountain lion in Texas is nearly statewide. Stable populations occur in the west, central, and southern portion of the state with the range extending eastward. As discussed above, mountain lion mortalities or sightings were recorded in all the ecological regions. However, data are not sufficient to make a reliable statewide population estimate. It should be noted that some lions seen or killed in the outlying part of the identified distribution in Texas may arise from animals which have escaped from captivity or been transported and released by private citizens. These factors must be considered in validating all reports. MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH Mountain lion management in Texas addresses a wide spectrum of issues including their impact on domestic livestock, wildlife and encounters with humans. Confirmed lion property damage has been documented in most Texas lion range. Most property damage involves livestock such as sheep, goats, and cattle, but domestic pets (dogs and cats) are also killed by lions. Their role as a major predator on large game animals is of special concern to landowners desiring the enhancement of wildlife populations. Lion predation on a recently reintroduced desert bighorn sheep population on the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area has been documented as the major source of mortality (M. Pittman, Tex. Parks and Wildl. Dept., pers. commun.). Seven out of the 20 bighorn sheep were killed by lions in a 5-month period. This level of predation is an example of small populations prevented from increasing to sustainable numbers. Two documented attacks on humans in Texas occurred in Big Bend National Park by sub-adult lions. Mountain lions are a prized trophy when taken by sportsmen with a total of 26 lions harvested during 1995 in three ecological regions of Texas. Lions can also become a lifetime memory when observed in the wild by a wildlife enthusiast. Analysis should be developed to assess the recreational value of mountain lions. Mountain lions fulfill an important ecological role as one of the largest predators in the state. Texas has a widely distributed mountain lion population. Although Texas lion numbers appear stable, research on population levels, recruitment, survival, age structure, and reproduction rate is being collected in west and south Texas. This information will be used to address the future management needs of this species. LITERATURE CITED Gould, F.W. 1969. Texas plants - a checklist and ecological summary. Texas Agri. Exp. Stat. MP-585/Revised. 121 pp. Mabie, D.W. 1983. Feline status study. Annual Perf. Rep., Fed. Aid Proj. W-103-R-13, Texas Parks and Wildl. Dept. 5pp.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIFTH MOUNTAIN LION WORKSHOP 73 Russ, W.B. 1989. Mountain lion status survey. Final Rep., Fed. Aid Proj. W-103-R-19, Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. 11 pp.graphics and tables
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