Mountain lion predation of bighorn sheep in the Peninsular Ranges, California

摘要: We investigated survival and cause-specific mortality of 113 radiocollared bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in the Peninsular Ranges southern California from November 1992 through May 1998. Mountain lion (Puma concolor) predation was most frequent cause mortality, death for 69% (42/61) all mortalities. Predation documented during months year except June, 62% (26/ 42) events occurred December March. Annual adult rates due to ranged 0.08 0.25 among 6 subpopulations sheep, mean annual rate (0.79) low relative other populations. Bighorn were listed as endangered by U.S. Fish Wildlife Service propose that a sustained high level mountain lions, such seen this study, may impede recovery population.