About This Project

Puma (Puma concolor) ecology in northern Mexico is essentially unknown and thus far, has relied on camera trapping and scat analysis to gather information. Now, Mexican gray wolves (Canis lupus baileyi), also known as "lobos," are being re-introduced into northern Mexico, and an amazing opportunity to study these predators together using cutting-edge GPS technology has emerged, with the overall goal of fostering large carnivore tolerance and coexistence in a rugged cattle ranching landscape.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Historically, the large carnivore guild of northern México included jaguars, pumas, black bears, grizzly bears, and wolves. However, as in many places, these carnivores were wiped out or driven down by human persecution. By 1980, the Mexican gray wolf was extirpated from the wild, and the last remaining 7 individuals were placed into a captive breeding effort to save the species. Thanks to those efforts, reintroduction of wolves has successfully begun in northern Mexico. Pumas managed to persist in the region at low numbers, but very little is known about their lives in northern México. We are conducting research to understand how they share their ecosystem, while simultaneously conducting massive outreach to build greater tolerance for them among Mexican ranching communities.

What is the significance of this project?

With the recent reintroduction of wolves in northern México, I am studying pumas and wolves more in depth than ever before in this region. Cow and calf depredation by wolves and pumas is already a problem, so much of my work is building trust with local people and seeking a means of solving conservation problems in a landscape where predators are feared and even hated. Using cutting-edge GPS technology, I will look at the spatial and foraging ecology of these two top predators, and build predictive models on where conflict with ranchers is likely to occur so that we can invest our limited resources (people, time and money) most effectively. This is an incredible opportunity not only for me, but for the scientific and conservation communities to learn more about both species.

What are the goals of the project?

My goals are to produce research that will support problem-solving and education for people living with pumas and Mexican gray wolves in northern México, and research that supports the preservation of both carnivore species on location for the foreseeable future. Additionally, with a more comprehensive understanding of prey selection and kill rates of both species, we will be able to identify the level of prey abundance needed to sustain both predators simultaneously. This information is valuable for conservation and for identifying areas that can sustain puma and wolf populations for future re-introductions of wolves!