California lists 1,400 mountain lions as threatened under state endangered species act – KRCR

Report on the Threatened Status of Mountain Lions in California and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On February 13, more than 1,400 mountain lions in Central and Southern California were officially listed as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. This designation is expected to significantly influence state policies on development within critical big cat habitats, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Designation and Its Implications

The California Fish and Game Commission unanimously voted to classify six mountain lion populations in Southern California and along the Central Coast as threatened. This status indicates that these populations are likely to become endangered without targeted conservation efforts.

Key Drivers of Threat

• Habitat Fragmentation: Expanding roads and urban development have fragmented mountain lion habitats, leading to population isolation and genetic inbreeding.
• Development Pressures: Unplanned growth has “sliced through their habitat,” reducing viable living spaces for these animals.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 15 – Life on Land: The threatened status promotes biodiversity conservation by protecting mountain lions and their ecosystems.
2. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: The designation requires state agencies to integrate wildlife protection into urban planning and development approvals, fostering sustainable land use.
3. SDG 13 – Climate Action: Protecting natural habitats contributes to climate resilience by maintaining ecosystem services.

Policy and Planning Recommendations

The threatened designation mandates that state agencies implement protective measures and influence project planning within affected areas. Conservation advocates emphasize the importance of proactive land-use planning to prevent further habitat degradation.

“In these areas where we may not be seeing these issues yet, we probably want to do a better job of planning,” said Tiffany Yap, a supporter of the listing. “We probably want to do a better job of deciding where we zone certain things and how we use the land that is available to us.”

Stakeholder Perspectives

• Supporters: View the listing as a critical step toward a sustainable future for mountain lions and a model for managing wildlife conservation amid development pressures.
• Opponents: Some stakeholders, including ranchers like Vince Fontana, express concerns that mountain lions are overpopulated, impacting deer and livestock populations. They caution that expanding protections without addressing habitat capacity could disrupt ecosystems.

Future Actions and Conservation Efforts

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has identified specific areas where enhanced protections can be implemented. These efforts align with SDG 15 by aiming to halt biodiversity loss and promote ecosystem restoration.

Conclusion

The designation of mountain lions as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act represents a significant advancement in wildlife conservation, directly supporting the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals. It underscores the necessity of integrating environmental stewardship with sustainable development planning to ensure the coexistence of human communities and wildlife.

For further information, please refer to the original report and related conservation updates.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article focuses on the protection of mountain lions, a wildlife species, and their habitats, directly relating to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The discussion about managing development and zoning to protect mountain lion habitats ties into sustainable urban planning and development.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • While not explicitly mentioned, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem disruption relate to broader environmental and climate resilience efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Population Status of Mountain Lions
   • The article mentions that more than 1,400 mountain lions were listed as threatened, indicating population monitoring as an indicator.
2. Habitat Fragmentation and Connectivity
   • References to habitat fragmentation and isolation imply the use of indicators measuring habitat size, connectivity, and fragmentation rates.
3. Implementation of Protective Measures
   • The designation requiring state agencies to take protective steps suggests indicators related to policy implementation and enforcement.
4. Incidence of Inbreeding and Genetic Diversity
   • Concerns about inbreeding imply genetic diversity as an indicator for species health.
5. Land Use and Zoning Decisions
   • Planning and zoning changes to protect habitats imply indicators tracking land use changes and sustainable development practices.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: krcrtv.com