Mountain lions on the on the Central and South Coasts are getting some new protections, and could eventually be listed on California’s endangered species list. The State Fish and Game Commission gave several mountain lion populations temporary endangered status. It will provide additional protections while a formal review takes place over whether they should get permanent protections.
Some researchers say the mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains have been on a path towards extinction. They have been cut off from parts of their habitat by highways in the region. And, some have died from rodenticides getting into their food chain.
The temporary protections could boost proposals to restrict the use of some rodenticides in the state. They could also boost efforts to create wildlife overpasses, so mountain lions can safely cross major roadways like Highway 101.
