TPWD does not regulate the elimination of mountain lions, and hunters and trappers can kill an unlimited number of mountain lions each year. In addition, unlike other animals that are hunted and captured, TPWD has no reporting obligation when someone kills or euthanizes a wild mountain lion, which interferes with the ability of TPWD and other biologists to monitor the species and ensure the species` continued ability to successfully perpetuate itself. A mountain lion descends a rocky slope in West Texas. Courtesy of Ben Masters/Fin & Fur Films. With respect to the TPWD petition, Morrison acknowledges that the six ordinances or guidelines proposed for the petition would not have prevented the death of the mountain lion outside Dallas. Mountain lions are native to Texas and have historically inhabited Trans Pecos, Hill Country and other suitable locations throughout the state. The first European settlers arrived in the Texas Hill Country in the early 1800s, viewing mountain lions as a dangerous threat to their own survival as well as a predatory threat to their livestock. Morrison points out that mountain lions play a useful role in the ecosystem. However, it is not entirely clear how to do this. Texas relies primarily on education and programs with private landowners to promote conservation. That`s great. But it may also be time to ask whether the open hunting rules currently in place for mountain lions are best for the long-term survival of the species. Would Texas be better off restricting – or even eliminating – mountain lion hunting? This dire situation is due to its designation in 1973 by the Texas legislature as a non-wild species.
Texas added conservation measures for some non-wild species in 1977, but specifically excluded mountain lions. In 1973, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act, which is designed to protect critically endangered species as “a consequence of economic growth and development not provided by proper care and conservation.” Unfortunately, these protections do not apply to mountain lions in Texas. “On the contrary, they are laying the foundation for the future of this cat,” she said. “There was a time when there were mountain lions all over the country and all over Texas. We have skillfully reduced much of the natural world. In 2012, peer-reviewed scientists co-authored by TPWD biologists warned that the mountain lion population in South Texas would be unsustainable without conservation intervention.6 This research suggests that genetic diversity among mountain lions in South Texas has decreased significantly and that the effective population size of mountain lions in South Texas (defined as the number of breeding individuals contributing to offspring) has increased by more than 50% due to habitat fragmentation. predator control and increasing isolation of the South Texas population from other mountain lion populations in West Texas and Mexico. has decreased.7 To date, no action has been taken. And recent surveys in the area have documented few animals, which is a cause for concern. This research is summarized in Elbroch and Harveson (2022). There has never been a tight season for mountain lions in Texas.
Hunters and trappers can voluntarily submit harvest reports when they kill a mountain lion, but most don`t, making historical data on the number of lions killed by hunting and trapping in Texas a guessing game. Panthera, founded in 2006, is dedicated exclusively to the conservation of feral cats and their crucial role in global ecosystems. Panthera`s team of leading biologists, law enforcement experts and feral cat advocates develop innovative strategies based on the best available science to protect cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas, snow leopards, tigers and the 33 species of small cats and their vast landscapes. In 39 countries around the world, Panthera works with a wide range of stakeholders to reduce or eliminate the most pressing threats to feral cats, securing their future and ours. Visit panthera.org. Right now, Texans can hunt and catch mountain lions indefinitely year-round, and they don`t have to report the animals they kill to wildlife managers. Anthropogenic mortality rates of mountain lions in Texas are among the highest in the country, far exceeding hunting rates that could keep populations stable. In addition, Texas mountain lions are among the lowest ever reported. Texas has never classified the mountain lion as a game species and so there has never been a hunting season for them. As in the days of the first settlers, they can be captured and slaughtered in unlimited numbers throughout the year and are still considered fair game.
In light of the regional extinction, the mountain lion population of South Texas has experienced a significant decline in genetic diversity and unknown, but likely significant, population losses due to direct death, isolation, and habitat fragmentation. Recent camera surveys throughout the region have documented anywhere from zero to a few remaining animals. Austin, TX – In a new paper published this week in the Wildlife Society Bulletin, scientists called on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to introduce regulatory changes that establish an initial management policy to ensure the long-term retention of mountain lions in Texas and halt their potential regional extirpation in South Texas.