Birth timing for mountain lions (Puma concolor); testing the prey availability hypothesis

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Wildlife Biology
• Mammalogy

Background:

• Understanding reproductive timing is crucial for wildlife population dynamics.
• Mountain lions (Puma concolor) exhibit a distinct birth pulse, but factors influencing it and its consequences are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the advantages of birth timing for mountain lion cubs.
• To examine the relationship between birth timing, cub body mass, survival, and natal dispersal age.
• To assess the influence of maternal age on birth timing.

Main Methods:

• Captured mountain lion cubs in natal dens to determine precise birth dates.
• Estimated population birth pulse and age of natal dispersal.
• Analyzed cub body mass, survival rates, and dispersal ages in relation to birth timing and litter size.

Main Results:

• A mountain lion birth pulse was identified from June to August.
• Cub body mass was greatest in litters of two and for cubs born after July 1.
• Cubs born April-June dispersed at younger ages than those born later; survival rates were similar regardless of birth pulse timing.

Conclusions:

• Birth timing influences mountain lion cub development and dispersal.
• Cubs born after July 1 may benefit from increased prey availability, conferring an evolutionary advantage.
• First-time mothers exhibit less variation in birth timing compared to older females.