California lists mountain lions under state's Endangered Species Act

California's Fish and Game Commission unanimously listed six groups of central coast and southern mountain lions under the California Endangered Species Act, extending protections to more than 1,400 animals found from the Bay Area to the Mexican border.

California's Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to list six groups of central coast and southern mountain lions under the state's Endangered Species Act. The decision applies to more than 1,400 animals with ranges from the Bay Area down to the Mexican border. The listing gives state agencies a legal mandate to protect those groups. Conservationists and officials cited habitat loss and growing isolation as reasons the populations are at heightened risk. Key facts: - The commission's unanimous vote listed six separate groups of mountain lions under the California Endangered Species Act. - The designation covers more than 1,400 animals found across central coast and southern California. - Protections require proposed developments in lion habitat to identify and minimize potential harms. - Anticipated measures mentioned include additional wildlife crossings, road improvements, and stronger restrictions on rat poisons; a large crossing over U.S. 101 has been discussed. - Reported threats to these groups include habitat loss, increasing isolation, vehicle strikes, rat poison and disease. - Opponents of the listing included the California Farm Bureau, the California Cattlemen's Association and the California Deer Association, which raised safety concerns; a state official acknowledged the animals are polarizing but said the listed populations face distinct risks. Summary: The listing creates a legal duty for state agencies to consider protections and for developments in lion habitat to assess and reduce harm. Some specific measures, such as wildlife crossings and tighter rat poison limits, are already anticipated. Undetermined at this time.