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Mountain lion predation in a multi-prey system on private lands in Texas

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Abstract

Prey use and diet of large carnivores can have important impacts on food webs, wildlife management, and human conflict. Mountain lions (Puma concolor) are large, apex predators that are commonly controlled for livestock depredation and ungulate population management strategies. We assessed predatory behavior on privately owned lands in the Davis Mountains, TX, using GPS data from 16-collared mountain lions (10 females, 6 males) and 200 confirmed kill sites and four scavenged carcasses. We examined predation by this apex predator in a multi-prey system to understand mountain lion diet as a first step to understanding predator–prey dynamics in the Davis Mountains, TX. Mountain lions in the Davis Mountains used a wide variety of prey and did not rely on one prey species. The top prey species (80% of diet) were deer (Odocoileus spp.), elk (Cervus elaphus), feral hog (Sus scrofa), and javelina (Pecari tajacu). We observed individual differences in diet for the six female mountain lions with ≥ 13 kills. Males were significantly more likely to prey on javelina than females (3.20 log odds ± 0.677 SE, p < 0.0001). While mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were the most common species preyed upon (25%), elk made up the largest percent biomass consumed (47%). Seasonal differences showed elk were most likely to be predated during the ungulate birthing season (May–August), while mule deer were more likely to be taken during the rut (November–February). Importantly, livestock (e.g., domestic cattle and horses) were available in the study area yet were never preyed upon. Our results on mountain lion diet can provide important ecological information for managers of both predator and prey.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank N. Smith, H. Prude, D. P. Rumbelow, and D. Karelus for time and assistance with this project. We are grateful to The Nature Conservancy, especially G. Crow, S. Benedict, T. Poloskey, and D. Hisler, for providing lodging, resources, and assistance in the field. We also thank the Harte family for their support of this project and their hospitality. Lastly, we thank the private landowners of the Davis Mountains who allowed us to conduct this research on their land.

Funding

Funding for this research was provided by the Summerlee Foundation, Shield-Ayres Foundation, Horizon Foundation, Potts and Sibley Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, and contributions from private individuals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Borderlands Research Institute, Sul Ross State University, PO Box C-21, Alpine, TX, 79832, USA

    Amanda M. Veals Dutt, Catherine C. Dennison, Patricia Moody Harveson, Bert W. Geary, Ron W. Thompson, Dana Milani & Louis A. Harveson

  2. Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, OH, 43229, USA

    Catherine C. Dennison

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  1. Amanda M. Veals Dutt
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Contributions

Conceptualization: AMV, CCD, PMH, BWG, LAH, RT, and DM. Funding acquisition: PMH and LAH. Data collection: CCD, BWG, RT, and DM. Statistical analysis: AMV and PMH. Writing: AMV, CCD, PMH, BWG, and LAH.

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Correspondence to Amanda M. Veals Dutt.

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Veals Dutt, A.M., Dennison, C.C., Harveson, P.M. et al. Mountain lion predation in a multi-prey system on private lands in Texas. Mamm Res 68, 481–493 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-023-00699-x

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