A recent study from the University of California, Davis reveals that mountain lions tend to avoid areas lit by artificial lighting, even when the sun is still up.
This finding adds to the myriad challenges that these majestic creatures face, with experts warning that they could be at risk of extinction in just a few decades.
Implications for Conservation Efforts
The research, published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, carries important implications for conservation efforts aimed at protecting mountain lions and the design of wildlife crossings.
The scientists recommended ways to minimize the impact of artificial light on new wildlife crossing initiatives, such as the Wallis Annenberg crossing over U.S. Highway 101, which began construction in April 2022, along with a proposed crossing for Interstate 15 near Temecula.
Impact of Urban Expansion
Fraser Shilling, the senior author and director of the UC Davis Road Ecology Center, explained that bright urban and commercial areas not only reduce but also fragment the territories accessible to mountain lions.
He stressed that it’s not just the physical expansion of human habitats that disrupts these cats’ environments; it is also the pervasive bright lights that contribute to the challenge.
Potential for Livestock Protection
On a more promising note, the study suggests that the aversion to artificial lighting could be leveraged to protect livestock, potentially decreasing the need for lethal measures when mountain lions interact with farming operations.
Source: ScienceDaily