Environmental Issues essays

Environmental Issues essays Pike, J.R., J.H. Shaw, D.M. Leslie Jr., M.G. Shaw and J.E. Smith. 1999. A geographic analysis of the status of mountain lions in Oklahoma. Wildlife Society Bulletin Wildlife managers in the state of Oklahoma manage many species of animals in their state parks and nature preserves. They need current up to date information in order to make educated decisions regarding the parks. The managers have been very interested in learning the population status of mountain lions (Puma concolor) in their area. Due to the fact that few studies have been conducted on the mountain lions eastern and central range, accurate figures were not available. We tested the following null hypotheses that the mountain lion population was not dependent upon the harvest trends of white tail deer (Odocoileus virginanus), size of human population, ecoregions, generalized topography, or locations of exotic game ranchers. In order to find out the current mountain lion population, surveys were mailed statewide to all natural resource professionals. The data was collected and then input into a geographic information system for further study and analysis. Along with the sighti ngs data, layers for deer harvests, census, topographic, and ranch data were added to the map for comparison with sightings. The study showed that the mountain lion population was dependant on ecoregions due to mountain lions preference to hunting on steep slopes and lack of human disturbance in rangeland. However, human population alone had no correlation. Mountain lion population also depends on deer harvests, since the white tail deer is a major part of the mountain lions diet. We predict that the increase of mountain lions is Oklahoma is associated mainly with low human population density, and increasing white tail deer populations. If the state wildlife managers wish to decrease presence of mountain lions in these areas then they should increase the bag limi ...