A Mini-Series about Mountain Lions in California
Distributed by UC DAVIS’ KAREN C. DRAYER WILDLIFE HEALTH CENTER
Released April 2020
A note from the filmmakers…
Why are mountain lions important? Why do we care? Well, as top predators, they are huge contributors to a stable ecosystem. But also, they are the spirits of the west, mysteries in the forest, and legends of California. Most native Californians have never seen a mountain lion because they are so elusive, and yet certain populations are at risk.
Specifically, populations in wild lands around Southern California. Highways and development have divided what natural habitat remains for lions, which is causing a chain reaction: migrating lions are getting hit by cars and lions that are stuck are inbreeding. With California mountain lions already genetically divided into 10 sub-populations by mostly man-made barriers, other sub-groups in the state may also be at risk in the future.
In this series, we illustrate how mountain lions struggle for survival, and viewers like you will learn the importance of these big cats and how you can help to conserve them.
Your contribution will help continue our research and spread awareness about our legend of California.
Thank you,
Dr. T. Winston Vickers – Director and Lead Wildlife Veterinarian
Kate Remsen – Producer
RESEARCH PROJECT UPDATES
(via social media, select any post to open up to instagram)
EPISODES
Episode 1: Introduction (6:30)
A quick historical background on the mountain lion in California, including its behaviors, habitats, threats, and its contribution to nature as an apex predator.
Released October 2018
Episode 2: research techniques (7:02)
To research mountain lions, scientists must capture wild lions and collect vital data which can determine potential threats and how we can help conserve them.
Released November 2018
Episode 3: circle of life (6:59)
Like any other animal, mountain lions have a specific way to breed and raise their young in order to ensure survival and continuation of the species.
Released December 2018
Episode 4: on the move (6:57)
California provides mountain lions a wide range of habitats and as an extremely adaptable species, they can live anywhere there are adequate resources.
Released January 2019
Episode 5: making connections (8:00)
Migration plays a significant role in mountain lions survival as it helps mix genetics throughout California, making the species stronger as a whole.
Released March 2019
Episode 6: through the food chain (7:12)
At the top of the food chain, mountain lions help establish a stable ecosystem which creates a trickle-down effect; their prey can also affect them by exposing them to pathogens and toxins.
Released April 2019
Episode 7: human interaction (7:20)
Mountain lions are learning to adapt to our increasing presence in nature, which sometimes results in the depredation of domestic animals, and a grim ending for both parties.
Released June 2019
Episode 8: THE NEXT STEP (7:58)
Several organizations throughout California are working hard to determine current threats to mountain lions and how populations can be preserved across the state; it takes a village to conserve wildlife so what can you do to help?
Released September 2019
BONUS EPISODE: THE CONNECTION CONFLICT (11:24)
In California, several mountain lion populations are separated from each other by development and highways, causing inbreeding within the populations to occur; genetic diversity and connectivity is crucial to the survival of these groups.
Released October 2019