Modeling Mountain Lion (Puma C.) Core Habitat and Movement Probability Using Circuit Theory

Circuit Theory can be used to model least-cost pathways for animal movement. In this study, we used Circuitscape to model current pathways for mountain lions moving in the Southern California Landscape. This study focused on an area where the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing is proposed to be built, and we examined the effects. In addition, we used the Gnarly landscapes tool to identify resistances across the landscape and core mountain lion habitats. The current maps produced pathways that mountain lions will likely take in-between each core habitat patch. Circuitscape also made probability matrices without the wildlife crossing and with the wildlife crossing and only showed a minor increase in mountain lion movement potential. The current maps, however, identified five additional locations for conservation actions.