Cougar: Ecology and Conservation

by Alan Rabinowitz (Editor), Maurice Hornocker (Editor), Sharon Negri (Editor)

The cougar is one of the most beautiful, enigmatic, and majestic animals in the Americas. Eliciting reverence for its grace and independent nature, it also triggers fear when it comes into contact with people, pets, and livestock or competes for hunters’ game. Mystery, myth, and misunderstanding surround this remarkable creature.

 

The cougar’s range once extended from northern Canada to the tip of South America, and from the Pacific to the Atlantic, making it the most widespread animal in the western hemisphere. But overhunting and loss of habitat vastly reduced cougar numbers by the early twentieth century across much of its historical range, and today the cougar faces numerous threats as burgeoning human development encroaches on its remaining habitat.

 

When Maurice Hornocker began the first long-term study of cougars in the Idaho wilderness in 1964, little was known about this large cat. Its secretive nature and rarity in the landscape made it difficult to study. But his groundbreaking research yielded major insights and was the prelude to further research on this controversial species.

 

The capstone to Hornocker’s long career studying big cats, Cougar is a powerful and practical resource for scientists, conservationists, and anyone with an interest in large carnivores.  He and conservationist Sharon Negri bring together the diverse perspectives of twenty-two distinguished scientists to provide the fullest account of the cougar’s ecology, behavior, and genetics, its role as a top predator, and its conservation needs. This compilation of recent findings, stunning photographs, and firsthand accounts of field research unravels the mysteries of this magnificent animal and emphasizes its importance in healthy ecosystem processes and in our lives.

 

Genres: Natural History

306 pages, Hardcover

First published December 15, 2009

About the author

Alan Robert Rabinowitz was an American zoologist, conservationist, field biologist and the CEO of Panthera, a nonprofit conservation organization devoted to protecting the world's 37 wild cat species. Called the "Indiana Jones of Wildlife Protection" by Time, Rabinowitz has studied jaguars, clouded leopards, Asiatic leopards, tigers, Sumatran rhinos, bears, leopard cats, raccoons, and civets. Today, Rabinowitz’s work focused on conserving the world’s largest, most imperiled cats—tigers, lions, jaguars, and snow leopards—and their habitats.

Reviews

[Rick B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and detailed, but more of an academic and scientific read.

[ccoelophysis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive overview of what we currently know. Explores issues from all sides, points to gaps in existing knowledge, and suggests areas for further research. Sadly, this book is too short and "more research/further study is needed" is a constant refrain. Hopefully the publication of this book will help keep current research moving and inspire further studies especially in the areas most lacking that have been identified in this timely book. I have a greater appreciation for the scientists and citizens who, it seems, just a few decades ago, realized that we had a chance to save this animal from extinction and helped turn things around. I look forward to a new, expanded edition of this book in the future!

[Charlotte R.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection of the latest scientific research being done on the cougar and its ecology. Covers not only cougars in North America, but the little known South American subspecies as well. Topics range from general information and vital statistics to more specialized concerns. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a background in wildlife studies and conservation, and anyone interested in cougars in particular.

[Leslie Patten · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cougar bible. This has the most up-to-date scientific findings compiled in a series of essays by cougar researchers. Dense, not an easy read, but the most complete if you are looking for hard science on mountain lions.