These days, endangerment and extinction is the reality for many animals worldwide. In that category, falls mountain lions. Mountain lions (otherwise known as cougars) in California are facing the threat of extinction as a result of inbreeding. Inbreeding is the breeding between related animals. Over time this can be harmful for a species which leads to endangerment.
To solve this problem, California campaigners are working together to build wildlife bridge over the 101 Freeway. While it may seem impractical, traffic is a very serious threat to California mountain lions. According to Patch News, 107 mountain lions were killed by cars in 2016 alone. In 2016, a mountain lion which was a mother of 3 cubs was also killed. Kittens often haven’t developed the hunting skills to survive alone, states Patch News.
In order to make the bridge realistic for the mountain lions, it will have trees planted and rocks dispersed throughout. It will also have a fence barrier to guarantee the safety of any wildlife traveling across. The bridge will be made from steel and concrete to ensure strength.
Although the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has already agreed to put $7 million towards the project, another $27 million is needed to start on the project in fall.
The demand to build the bridge came from the observation of the declining cougar population. Because of the freeway splitting up land, low genetic diversity is being achieved, leading to the probability for extinction being at 28% in the next 50 years.