Source link : https://las-vegas-news.com/california-shields-over-1400-mountain-lions-with-threatened-species-status/
Unanimous Vote Signals Urgent Action (Image Credits: Ca-times.brightspotcdn.com)
California — State wildlife officials unanimously approved protections for more than 1,400 mountain lions Thursday, marking a pivotal move to combat isolation-driven decline in fragmented habitats.[1]
Unanimous Vote Signals Urgent Action
The California Fish and Game Commission delivered a landmark decision during a public meeting. Members voted to designate six isolated mountain lion populations as threatened under the state’s Endangered Species Act. This status recognizes that these groups face likely extinction without intervention.
Commissioner Erika Zavaleta emphasized proactive measures. “I believe it’s better for us to take action before we get to that point,” she stated. The ruling covers lions from the Bay Area to the U.S.-Mexico border. Statewide, roughly 4,172 mountain lions roam, but these isolated clusters number over 1,400 individuals.
The decision stemmed from a 2019 petition by the Center for Biological Diversity and Mountain Lion Foundation. Officials granted temporary candidate status in 2020. Last December, the Department of Fish and Wildlife recommended full threatened listing for these specific areas.
Six Vulnerable Populations Identified
Officials pinpointed distinct groups cut off by urban sprawl and highways. The Santa Cruz Mountains population stands out for its precarious genetic health. Southern California’s Santa Monica, San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and…
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Author : Matthias Binder
Publish date : 2026-02-13 06:24:00
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