Modelling potential habitat for cougars in midwestern North America |
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Authors: | Michelle A LaRue Clayton K Nielsen |
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Institution: | a College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA b Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, USA |
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Abstract: | Cougars (Puma concolor) are of considerable interest to wildlife biologists and the general public in midwestern North America, yet no researchers have modelled potential habitat in the region. We created a model of potential cougar habitat in 9 midwestern states using geospatial data, expert-opinion surveys, the analytical hierarchy process, and a GIS. About 8% of the study region contained highly favorable habitat (with favorability scores ≥75%) for cougars; the states of Arkansas (19%) and Missouri (16%) contained the highest proportions of potentially favorable habitat. We identified 6 large (≥2500 km2 in size), contiguous areas of highly favorable habitat for cougars. Model testing procedures indicated a valid model when compared to an independent set of cougar locations, a null dataset, and similar studies. Our model is useful as a planning tool to proactively address future human-cougar conflicts should cougars re-colonize the Midwest via subadult dispersal. |
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Keywords: | Cougar GIS Habitat modelling Midwestern North America Puma concolor |
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