Dispersal of juvenile cougars in fragmented habitat

摘要: There is little information on the spatiotemporal pattern of dispersal juvenile cougars (Felis concolor) and no data disperser use habitat corridors. I investigated radio-tagged (8 M, 1 F) in a California landscape containing 3 corridors (1.5, 4.0, 6.0 km long) several peninsulas created by urban growth. Dispersal was usually initiated mother abandoning cub near an edge her home range. The stayed within 300 m that site for 13-19 days then dispersed direction opposite taken mother. Mean age at 18 months (range 13-21 months). Each traveled from its natal range to farthest part urban-wildland edge, Dispersing males occupied series small (<30% area used ad M same time span), temporary (10-298 days) ranges, interface, often with longest border along edge. 1-3 dispersers, 5 9 dispersers found successfully corridors, 2 entered but failed traverse will are located natural travel routes, have ample windy cover, include underpass integrated roadside fencing high-speed road crossings, lack artificial outdoor lighting, <1 dwelling unit/ 16 ha