Mountain lions in Los Angeles are adapting their behavior to coexist with a growing population. Recent research by a team at the University of California, Davis, led by Ellie Bolas, shows how these predators change their activity patterns to avoid humans in active recreation areas such as Griffith Park and the Santa Monica Mountains.
The study tracked 22 mountain lions for seven years using GPS and accelerometer collars. The findings showed that lions in urbanized regions with intensive human activity are becoming more nocturnal. For example, the famous lion named P22, who lived in Griffith Park, was one of the most observed nocturnal lions, actively avoiding contact with tourists, cyclists and other visitors to the park.
In contrast, lions in less disturbed areas such as the Santa Susana Mountains were more active at dawn and dusk. This behavioral flexibility highlights the species' ability to adapt to urban challenges, including fragmented habitats, traffic and recreational disturbance.
Expert opinions
Bolas emphasized that this adaptability is critical to coexistence, stating, "Mountain lions do the work so that coexistence can happen." Seth Riley of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area added that these behavioral changes are a testament to the resilience of wildlife in densely populated areas.
Challenges and solutions
While mountain lions show remarkable adaptability, human activity makes it difficult for them to survive. Busy roads, exposure to toxins and habitat loss are serious threats. To ensure coexistence, experts recommend simple actions such as limiting activities at dawn and dusk and being careful when driving at night in mountain lion habitats.
This research, published in Biological Conservation, provides valuable insights into how wildlife and humans can harmoniously share natural spaces, offering hope for the future of conservation efforts.
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