SURVIVAL AND MORTALITY OF COUGARS IN THE TRANS-PECOS REGION

We analyzed data from studies of cougars (Puma concolor) completed during 1982-1997 in Big Bend, Carlsbad Caverns, and Guadalupe Mountains national parks, and Big Bend Ranch State Park. We estimated annual and seasonal (hunting and non-hunting periods) rates of survival and rates of cause-specific mortality for 31 males and 29 females. In the three studies, annual rates of survival for females were higher than those for males. Seasonal rates of survival were variable between sexes and among studies; however, pooling males and females revealed that rates of survival at Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains national parks and Big Bend Ranch State Park were lower during hunting periods (1 September-31 March) compared to non-hunting periods (1 April-31 August). However, pooled rates of survival for males and females at Big Bend National Park were equal during hunting and non-hunting periods. Trapping was the greatest annual source of cause-specific mortality in all study areas. Shooting and unknown sources were the next greatest sources of mortality. Mortalities front intraspecific strife and natural causes were documented only in Big Bend National Park. Rates of survival for cougars in Texas and the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico arc among the lowest in the United States. Lute rate of survival should he considered when developing management plans; however, we caution against extrapolating results from limited study areas to the entire region.