WILD FELID MONITOR Newsletter of the Wild Felid Research and Management Association (WFA) Winter 2007-2008, Volume 1, Issue 1. Introducing the WFA WILD CATS AND CLI M ATE CHANGE Linda Sweanor Interim Board President John Seidensticker, Senior Scientist, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, [email protected] [email protected] I am excited to present the first he 1,300 km² lowland, secondary, tropi- surrounded by human settlement and cultiva- issue of the Wild Felid Monitor. cal forest in Way Kambas National Park tion; options for connecting it through corridors Over the past year, a highly mo- on Sumatra’s (Indonesia) southeast coast with other protected areas such as Berbak, Tessi tivated group of 10 people with a Tnormally receives 286 mm of rain per month. Nilo, or Bukit Barisan are no longer available. mix of experience in felid research, But during the 1997 El Nino, the park received For now, Way Kambas continues to limp along. management, and conservation less than 10% of normal. Neil Franklin (2002) A new El Nino event will again threaten, or even has been working to create a new observed seawater intrud- overwhelm, the small pop- organization—the Wild Felid ing in the waterways 16 “... depending on the species of ulations of Sumatran tiger, Research and Management Asso- km inland from the coast; wild cat there will be loss of critical rhino, elephant, clouded ciation, or WFA. This newsletter fires burned over 55% of habitats and range fragmentations, leopards, flat-headed cat, is the first fruit of that labor. You the park; poaching pres- contractions, and expansion result- golden cat, and fishing might ask, “Why and how was sure increased; and the to- ing from climate change.” cat, and the multitude of this organization started? Do we tal estimated tiger density other plants and animals need this organization? How is it was 4.6/100 km² in 1997, 2.6 in 1998, 1.1 in 1999, that live is this tiny vestige of what was once the different from other felid organi- then 2.6 in 2000. While some tigers died in great lowland rainforest of Sumatra. Way Kam- zations? What can this organiza- the fires, the results of the fires on prey popula- bas is set up for a catastrophic event and there tion do for me – or for the animals tions and direct mortality from poaching could isn’t much anyone can do about it. I may be trying to study, manage not be separated. The park is a habitat island (continued on p.6) or conserve?” Finally, you might just wonder, “What’s in this news- letter, and how can I contribute?” Establishing the WFA An interest in the formation of a new professional association on wild felids was first expressed by participants at the Eighth Moun- tain Lion Workshop held in Leav- enworth, Washington, USA in May, 2005. A survey of 56 U.S. and Canadian participants indicated that improved communication (continued on p.3) Join the WFA and receive future issues of the Wild Felid Monitor Application page 25 © Susan C. Morse www.wildfelid.org; [email protected] The Wild Felid Research and Management Association The Wild Felid Research and Management Association (WFA) is a professional association open to researchers, wildlife managers, educators and others dedicated to the conservation of all wild felid species, with an emphasis on those species in the western hemisphere. The WFA acts in an advisory capacity to facilitate wild felid conservation, management, research, and public education, and functions among various governments, agencies, councils, universities and organizations responsible or interested in wild felids and their habitats. In This Issue Board News Notes from the Field 1 Welcome to the WFA 14 Predicting the effects of forest management on Canada 4 Dedication lynx 5 In Memory 15 Projeto Puma: Studying and conserving puma and jaguar 7 Contribute to the Wild Felid Monitor in Brazil 7 WFA at the 9th Mountain Lion Workshop 16 Project CAT: An experiment in science and education 7 Graduate scholarship opportunity 17 The Borderlands Jaguar Detection Project: An intro 8 Wild felids of the western hemisphere 18 Cougar research in Alberta 24 Future wild felid events 25-26 WFA member application and survey Tools of the Trade 27 Board of Directors contact information 19 Noninvasive sampling techniques for wild felids Voices Research Highlights 1 Wild cats and climate change 20 Studying effects of urbanization on disease dynamics in 9 Prioritizing conservation action and funding bobcats, pumas and domestic cats for the Felidae 20 Novel spatial tools for connectivity conservation: Cougars in southern California Conference Reports 20 Paraguay jaguar study 10 Felid biology and conservation conference 21 Canadian lynx cycles and barriers to dispersal 11 Canada lynx on the border: Biological and political 21 Ecology and conservation of cougars in the eastern realities for conservation planning Great Basin 21 Examining the habitat and prey selection of an Management News isolated cougar population 11 Trapping in Maine restricted to protect Canada lynx 12 Mountain lion management and hunter education in Recent Publications Colorado 22-23 Recent publications 13 Update on Canada lynx reintroduction in Colorado Cover and back photo credits: Susan Morse, [email protected] WFA logo designed by Ben Wright, [email protected] The Wild Felid Monitor is the biannual newsletter of the Wild Felid Research and Management Association (WFA) Editor: Chris Papouchis Newsletter Committee: Linda Sweanor, Gary Koehler, Sharon Negri, Hugh Robinson PO Box 3335, Montrose CO 81402 USA E-mail: [email protected], Websites: www.wildfelid.org & www.wildfelid.com Editorial Policy The Wild Felid Monitor encourages submission of articles, information and letters on ecology, research, management and conservation of wild felid species, and particularly of those species native to the western hemisphere. Preferred length of submissions is about 750 words. Submissions of photos, drawings and charts are encouraged. Electronic submissions to [email protected] are preferred; otherwise mail to the address above. The WFA reserves the right to accept, reject and edit submissions. Deadline for the Summer 2008 issue is March 5, 2008 Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue. The artwork is copyrighted – Please do not reproduce without permission. Membership Use the form on page 25 to order memberships and/or make donations. 2 Wild Felid Monitor: Winter 2007-08: Vol 1, Issue 1 WFA Board News (From the President, from page 1) and networking was needed to help bring people of similar inter- also incorporate the diverse public values towards felids into man- ests together, provide opportunities to pool resources and build on agement and conservation policy (see Jerry Apker’s article, page 12, current knowledge, and advance the fields of research, management, on changes in mountain lion hunter education requirements and and conservation. Specific areas of interest indicated by participants management policy in Colorado prompted by both hunter and ad- were, ranked from highest to lowest, science/research, management, vocacy groups). Reducing the risks felids may pose to people and conservation, education, and policy and socioeconomic impacts property, as well as understanding their positive economic impacts (tied). Most respondents favored the creation of a group that would (e.g., through hunting and tourism) and other possible negative focus on all wild cats in the western hemisphere, not just mountain impacts (e.g., their effects on endangered or isolated prey popula- lions (Puma concolor). Respondents stressed a broader focus because tions) are also important concerns. it allowed for greater exposure to topics on related species that might provide strategies and ideas not otherwise considered. As a consequence, continued viability of wild felid populations and mitigation of human-wild felid conflicts demand interdisciplin- After the workshop and armed with these positive survey responses, ary cooperation and communication among researchers, managers, two Mountain Lion Workshop participants initiated a search for land-use planners, educators, conservationists, and members of the experienced individuals willing to participate in the establishment public. Because no professional association in the Western Hemi- of this new, professional association. In August 2006, the found- sphere provides a conduit for such cooperation and communica- ing WFA board met in Bainbridge, Washington, USA to begin tion, we formed the WFA to fill this role. developing the structure of the WFA. The interim WFA board members have varied backgrounds that include wildlife research, What the WFA offers present or former employment in state or federal wildlife agencies, The WFA’s objectives are to facilitate communication and col- and conservation NGOs (see picture). Together, we have struc- laboration across scientific disciplines and among agencies, non- tured the WFA to be a professional, non-advocacy organization of governmental organizations, universities, and other interested par- biologists, wildlife managers, wildlife educators, and others who ties. We promote research of the highest scientific and professional are dedicated to the management and conservation of wild felids in standards; sound stewardship of wild felids through science-based the Western Hemisphere through science-based management and knowledge of their populations and habitat; and public awareness education. The interim board developed a WFA mission statement and understanding of the status, ecology, conservation, and manage- and bylaws that are similar in structure to those of another pro- ment of wild felids. Through our newsletter, and increasingly our fessional organization, the International Bear Research and Man- website, we will offer venues where researchers and managers can agement Association (IBA). Our bylaws can be found on our new website, www.wildfelid.org. The need for the WFA To the question, “Do we need this organiza- tion?” our answer is a resounding “Yes!” Those involved in felid research, management, or con- servation are already aware of the important structural and functional roles felids play in wild ecosystems.