The Bay Area Puma Project
As puma habitat and movement corridors are increasingly affected by the expansion of human development, more sightings and encounters with pumas are inevitable. Pumas are being killed more often by cars and depredation permits (issued when livestock or pets are attacked), and increasing news reports of puma encounters are driving growing public concern. With human encroachment continuing to degrade wildlife habitat, it is vital to address these issues before it's too late. People must learn to co-exist with all species, in complete ecosystems, in order for the natural world to sustain for future generations.
Research and Technology
Previously, even basic facts about the Bay Area’s puma population were unknown. BAPP research will produce unprecedented understanding about this furtive species, including range, density, movement, feeding patterns, and the effects of human development, such as roads, on puma populations. Working with landowners and state agencies, BAPP scientists are using custom GPS-accelerometer collars to track and record pumas and their activities in 3D on a continual basis.
By analyzing the data and creating maps and animations, we can better understand the dynamics of the puma population, the critical role they play in maintaining the health and balance of the ecosystem, and the challenges this keystone species faces while traversing an ever more fragmented landscape. The insights gained from this research will enable us to develop new conservation and land use strategies to minimize human-puma conflict, and foster a healthy co-existence between humans and pumas in the region.
Bay Area Puma Project