Diablo Range Crossings and Corridors Study

Felidae Conservation Fund, Bay Area Puma Project, and Conservation Biology Institute co-produce an analysis and project to improve the connection to and from Mount Diablo

Description

The project aims to address the pressing issue of habitat fragmentation and lack of connectivity for mountain lions in the East Bay Diablo Range of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. The current situation poses a significant risk of inbreeding and local extinctions among these iconic predators, further threatening the fragile biodiversity of the region.To tackle this challenge, our project will identify potential linkages and barriers to movement for mountain lions, with the goal of establishing evidence-based conservation strategies. We will employ cutting-edge connectivity modeling and mapping techniques. We will also utilize state-of-the-art remote-sensing camera arrays to capture and analyze wildlife movement patterns in the East Bay Diablo Range. These camera arrays will provide valuable data to ground-truth linkage models, allowing us to accurately identify potential corridors and barriers for mountain lion movement. By combining cutting-edge modeling techniques and technology with on-the-ground fieldwork, we will enhance the precision and effectiveness of our conservation strategies, ensuring that our efforts are grounded in robust scientific evidence.

By identifying and restoring crucial corridors, we aim to mitigate the adverse effects of habitat isolation, promote gene flow, and safeguard genetic diversity among mountain lion populations. This, in turn, will contribute to the overall health and resilience of the East Bay Diablo Range ecosystem.

The project’s success will rely on a multidisciplinary approach, combining scientific research, community involvement, and policy advocacy. By addressing the challenges of habitat fragmentation and promoting connectivity, we aim to ensure the long-term persistence of mountain lions in the East Bay Diablo Range while preserving the rich biodiversity that characterizes this unique region.

Overall, this project represents a vital opportunity to protect and restore critical habitats, prevent local extinctions, and secure the future of mountain lions in the San Francisco Bay Area. By investing in the conservation of these iconic predators, we will safeguard the ecological integrity of the East Bay Diablo Range and also enhance the overall health and resilience of the region for generations to come.

The Project Page for this is periodically updated, and is currently located at

https://felidaefund.org/projects/research/pumalink