2-4 times more Cougar than previously estimated.

[KFhunter]

http://www.kpax.com/news/fwp-study-shows-lion-numbers-higher-than-expected/#_

MISSOULA - A newly released joint study shows some surprising numbers coming out of the Bitterroot Valley.

Researchers from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the University of Montana have released the results of a DNA-based estimate of adult mountain lions in that shows numbers are higher than initially predicted.

FWP derived the southern Bitterroot's initial lion population estimate in 2012 by applying radio telemetry information obtained in previous research projects in other parts of the state.

But newly refined DNA-based techniques for lions gave scientists another tool to use in the Bitterroot. Researchers collected lion DNA last winter, and results document a population two to four times higher than first estimated.

"Traditional approaches to estimate mountain lion abundance focused on radio collaring and counting individual lions, but recent advancements in lion DNA sampling and spatial estimation methodologies made it possible to get a more accurate estimate of lions in the Bitterroot," said FWP's Dr. Kelly Proffitt.

"These new techniques reduced time, cost and the number of lions that had to be handled and made it practical for us to obtain an improved lion population estimate specific to the Bitterroot."

It's no suprise I'm really critical of Washington's new Mt. Lion plan.  The way their study was done was as discribed in this article as the "old way".   I wonder if this will pave the way for the inferior WDFW to follow in Montana's foot steps?

Our MT. Lion plan (and quota limits) is loony toons!

[KFhunter]

With wolves coming into the predator scene it's going to be even more important to get a handle on ALL predators. 

[huntnphool]

  I wonder if this will pave the way for the inferior WDFW to follow in Montana's foot steps?

Our MT. Lion plan (and quota limits) is loony toons!

We have been killing too many lions, which has led to the latest cougar plan by WDFW.

[denali]

Thanks for the link KF.

It would be interesting if WDFW used this method for a population study, I'm sure we would get closer to the actual cat population.

[WAcoyotehunter]

I would love to see a better population estimate for WA.  I think the old population model needs a lot of help...

[bearpaw]

I would love to see a better population estimate for WA.  I think the old population model needs a lot of help...

[chinookie23]

I bet the muckleshoots would love to do one. What do you guys think? They seem to be more interested in trying to figure out why herds are declining and getting estimates than the state these days anyways.

[JLS]

Thanks for the link KF.

It would be interesting if WDFW used this method for a population study, I'm sure we would get closer to the actual cat population.

Looks like it is.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01546/wdfw01546.pdf

http://mountainlion.org/states/WA%20Abstract%20-%20Using%20DNA%20to%20Estimate%20Cougar%20Populations%20in%20Washington%20-%20Beausoleil%202005.pdf

[BOWHUNTER45]

I just love hearing about how many cats they THINK are around ! We have cats on the westside that are never seen but they keep trying to justify they know everything ...