Side by Side with Wild Neighbors: The Living with Mountain Lions Project Presentation
Living with Lions is a research and education project of Audubon Canyon Ranch in Sonoma and Napa Counties that is increasing scientific and public understanding of mountain lions. Recently, the scope of the project expanded, through the help of land owners, with the capture and GPS-collaring of mountain lion P14 in the West County area of Sonoma County. Researchers humanely capture and equip lions with GPS collars. Biological measurements and samples are taken to determine their age and health, as well as to map the genetic makeup of the region and state’s lion populations, identify priority habitat areas for conservation, and increase appreciation for these important top predators. The team also is investigating the impacts of the 2017 Sonoma County fires on large predators. Come and learn more about these majestic, yet elusive creatures living in our area. Dr. Martins will share some of the Project’s research findings, answer your questions, and address fears some of you may have about how we can co-exist with this ecologically significant species.
Dr. Quinton Martins is a Wildlife Ecologist with Audubon Canyon Ranch (ACR) at their Bouverie Preserve near Glen Ellen. As ACR’s principal investigator on the Mountain Lion Project, Dr. Martins is a leading expert on large mountain cats. The founder and former CEO of the Cape Leopard Trust in South Africa, Dr. Martins has over 20 years of field experience in wilderness areas throughout much of Africa, Saudi Arabia and the USA. His work highlights the manner in which charismatic and iconic apex predators like leopards and mountain lions, act as umbrella species, and can lead to broad ecosystem conservation.
