- Importance of Mountain Lions

Mountain Lions are a native species of Texas and an important part of the Texas’ heritage and natural history.

They are an “umbrella species”, which means that conserving their habitat will ensure conservation of many more species.

Mountain Lions are an important natural force that helps to balance deer populations and those of other species such as peccaries and wild boars.

By helping to control herbivores (vegetation eaters), Mountain Lions indirectly influence vegetation communities, ensuring that overgrazing does not occur. Mountain Lions also compete with (many times kill) coyotes and bobcats, influencing their populations as well, a factor contributing to a more balanced ecosystem.

As a top predator, Mountain Lions play a pivotal and critical role in maintaining biodiversity and stability in complex communities (ecosystems).

See Study in Zion National Park (Utah) comparing similar area with and without Mountain Lions. Read:

1. Trophic Cascade Program: The Cougar Project
2. Linking a cougar decline, trophic cascade, and catastrophic regime shift in Zion National Park