California gives mountain lions new habitat protections.

The California Fish and Game Commission classified mountain lions from the Santa Cruz Mountains to Southern California as threatened under the state's Endangered Species Act, creating expanded habitat protections. Officials and conservationists cited genetic isolation and inbreeding concerns, and some builders and ranchers raised concerns about potential effects on development and livestock.

The California Fish and Game Commission has classified mountain lions from the Santa Cruz Mountains to Southern California as threatened under the state's Endangered Species Act. The decision was announced at a recent commission vote and creates expanded habitat protections for those populations. Officials and conservation groups raised concerns about genetic isolation and inbreeding among dispersed mountain lion groups. Public attention on P-22, a well-known Hollywood Hills mountain lion that died after being struck by a car in 2023, helped focus public interest in protections. Key details: - The commission's vote places mountain lion populations from the Santa Cruz Mountains through Southern California under a threatened listing in the state Endangered Species Act. - Conservation representatives said freeways and development have left populations genetically isolated, and some cubs have been born with defects linked to inbreeding. - The listing is intended to provide greater habitat protections for those mountain lion populations. - Some builders at the meeting said the classification could require mitigation studies that would increase construction costs and slow projects. - The California Cattlemen's Association expressed concern about possible impacts on farmers and ranchers where mountain lions come into contact with livestock. - State officials said the new classification does not prevent intervention in rare conflicts with people or livestock. Summary: The threatened listing extends state habitat protections and responds to concerns about genetic isolation among California mountain lion populations. The decision prompted comments from developers and ranchers about potential economic and operational effects. Undetermined at this time.