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Diablo PumaLink Project

Restoring Connectivity and Assessing Puma Health in the Northern Diablo Range

Research

The PumaLink project aims to address the pressing issue of habitat fragmentation and lack of connectivity for mountain lions in the East Bay North Diablo Range of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. The current situation poses a significant risk of inbreeding and local extinctions among these iconic predators, further threatening the fragile biodiversity of the region.

  • Focus Species: Lynx rufus  (Bobcat) , Puma concolor  (Mountain Lion)
  • Location: Diablo Range
  • Project Status: Ongoing
  • Project Start: 2023

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Overview

The PumaLink project aims to address the pressing issue of habitat fragmentation and lack of connectivity for mountain lions in the East Bay North Diablo Range of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. The current situation poses a significant risk of inbreeding and local extinctions among these iconic predators, further threatening the fragile biodiversity of the region. Without immediate action, the long-term viability of mountain lion populations and the delicate ecological balance of the East Bay Diablo Range are at stake.

To tackle this challenge, our project will identify potential linkages and barriers to movement for mountain lions, with the goal of establishing evidence-based conservation strategies. We will employ cutting-edge connectivity modeling and mapping techniques described in further detail below. We will also utilize state-of-the-art remote-sensing camera arrays to capture and analyze wildlife movement patterns in the East Bay Diablo Range.

These camera arrays will provide valuable data to ground-truth linkage models, allowing us to accurately identify potential corridors and barriers for mountain lion movement. By combining cutting-edge modeling techniques and technology with on-the-ground fieldwork, we will enhance the precision and effectiveness of our conservation strategies, ensuring that our efforts are grounded in robust scientific evidence.

By identifying and restoring crucial corridors, we aim to mitigate the adverse effects of habitat isolation, promote gene flow, and safeguard genetic diversity among mountain lion populations. This, in turn, will contribute to the overall health and resilience of the East Bay Diablo Range ecosystem.

Additionally, we will employ advanced health monitoring techniques, including the collection and analysis of scat and hair samples to assess levels of toxins, parasites, viruses, and bacteria, thereby evaluating potential zoonotic spillover threats for human health.

We are collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations to foster public awareness, engagement, and support for the conservation of mountain lions and their habitats. Through education and outreach initiatives, we will highlight the crucial role of these apex predators in maintaining ecological balance and their significance for human well-being.

The project's success will rely on a multidisciplinary approach, combining scientific research, community involvement, and policy advocacy. By addressing the challenges of habitat fragmentation and promoting connectivity, we aim to ensure the long-term persistence of mountain lions in the East Bay Diablo Range while preserving the rich biodiversity that characterizes this unique region.

Overall, this project represents a vital opportunity to protect and restore critical habitats, prevent local extinctions, and secure the future of mountain lions in the San Francisco Bay Area. By investing in the conservation of these iconic predators, we will safeguard the ecological integrity of the East Bay Diablo Range and also enhance the overall health and resilience of the region for generations to come.

Urgency

The loss of contiguous habitat is one of the greatest threats facing wildlife today. This is concerning for species with large space requirements like large carnivores as linkages between habitat patches are especially crucial to their persistence. Under PumaLink, we address the pressing issue of habitat fragmentation and lack of connectivity for pumas in the East Bay Diablo Range of the San Francisco Bay Area. The high degree of isolation of wildlife habitat here (e.g., Mount Diablo State Park) poses a major risk of inbreeding and of local extinction for pumas, threatening the East Bay’s biodiversity. Without immediate action, the long-term viability of puma populations and the delicate ecological balance of the East Bay Diablo Range is at stake.

Isolation of Mount Diablo State Park in San Francisco’s East Bay and potential habitat linkages for pumas.

What are we doing?

PumaLink is a project to provide targeted solutions to restore connectivity for pumas in the East Bay, particularly movement into Mount Diablo State Park. BAPP has been monitoring this area with camera traps for the past decade but despite good quality habitat and abundant prey, pumas have not been detected. 

Our main research questions include:

  • What environmental and human-related factors affect puma movement in the East Bay Northern Diablo Range? 
  • Where are the core areas and linkages for pumas here?   

How are we doing this?

To answer these questions, we are using state-of-the-art research methods to map and model habitat suitability and connectivity for pumas as well as identify key linkages and determine the potential for zoonotic spillover. Specifically, we are using camera traps, modeling, and fecal surveys to collect data. 

Our research efforts are coupled with outreach to raise awareness about pumas and involve community members in data collection, empowering them to actively contribute to wildlife conservation. 

PumaLink is a new initiative building on our existing efforts to monitor puma presence in the East Bay. Our findings will help us safeguard genetic diversity as well as raise public awareness of the importance of pumas to ecosystems. Crucially, our work will also provide valuable insights to inform conservation strategies for long-term viability of puma populations and biodiversity in the Diablo Range.

Project Partners

  • Conservation Biology Institute
  • Conservation Society of CA/Oakland Zoo
  • Working Dogs for Conservation
  • Save Mt Diablo
  • CuriOdyssey
  • Oregon State University
  • University of Georgia
  • South Dakota University
  • Michigan State University
  • CAL State Hayward.

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