The study, led by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), found that inbred mountain lions had reduced reproductive success, with females producing fewer kittens and those kittens having lower survival rates. The researchers also found that inbred mountain lions had increased rates of disease and deformity, suggesting that inbreeding is also leading to health problems in the population.
"Our findings are a clear warning sign that the Southern California mountain lion population is in serious trouble," said Dr. Seth Riley, lead author of the study and director of the UCLA Center for Conservation Biology. "Inbreeding depression is a major threat to the long-term survival of this population, and we need to take action now to address this issue."
The researchers believe that one way to address inbreeding depression in Southern California mountain lions is to increase connectivity between subpopulations. This could be done by creating wildlife corridors that allow mountain lions to move safely between different areas of their range. The researchers also recommend reducing human development in areas that are important for mountain lion habitat.
"Southern California mountain lions are an iconic species that are essential to the health of our ecosystem," said Riley. "We need to do everything we can to protect them and ensure their long-term survival."
The study was published in the journal "Conservation Genetics."
