The puma, also known by over 80 other terms like the cougar and mountain lion, holds the enviable title of 'mammal with the most names' as per Guinness World Records. According to a new study, however, more is definitely not the merrier in this case. The many monikers of this big cat species act as a hurdle to its successful conservation. The study, conducted by Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organization, was published by Frontiers in Conservation Science. In an interview with WorldAtlas, Dr. Mark Elbroch, the Director of the Puma Program for Panthera, and the corresponding author of the study, explained just how multiple names of a species impact its conservation on several fronts.
The puma is the most wide-ranging native terrestrial mammal in the Americas. Its range covers 28 countries from southern Alaska in the United States to the southern tip of Chile. It is a highly resilient species capable of thriving in a variety of ecosystems. Given its widespread distribution, it is listed as a Least Concern species on the IUCN Red List. Scientists, however, suspect that its populations are decreasing throughout its range making conservation interventions necessary to keep its populations stable.
Puma, Cougar, Or Mountain Lion? The Big Cat's Many Names Hinder Conservation Efforts - WorldAtlas
The puma is the most wide-ranging native terrestrial mammal in the Americas. Its range covers 28 countries from southern Alaska in the United States to the southern tip of Chile. It is a highly resilient species capable of thriving in a variety of ecosystems. Given its widespread distribution, it is listed as a Least Concern species on the IUCN Red List. Scientists, however, suspect that its populations are decreasing throughout its range making conservation interventions necessary to keep its populations stable.
Puma, Cougar, Or Mountain Lion? The Big Cat's Many Names Hinder Conservation Efforts - WorldAtlas