Historic Win! California Mountain Lions Receive State Endangered Species Act Protections

Photo credit: National Park Service

In a major victory for California’s mountain lions, permanent protections have been granted to Southern California and Central Coast populations under the state’s Endangered Species Act.

The decision underscores the fragile status of pumas across a significant portion of the state, from the Bay Area to the Mexico border, and affirms that these iconic big cats face mounting threats to their survival.

“This is a major milestone for a California icon,” said Tiffany Yap, D.Env./Ph.D., urban wildlands science director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Mountain lions are a marvel but too many across the Golden State are struggling in the diminished and fractured wild places where they live. This state isn’t willing to stand back and watch our precious wildlife vanish forever. I’m celebrating this vote as a new chapter for pumas and I hold so much hope for their future.”

Yesterday, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to grant protections for six genetic populations of mountain lions, following a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and the Mountain Lion Foundation. The protections cover pumas in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Central Coast, Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, Santa Ana Mountains, and Eastern Peninsular Ranges, following a recommendation from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

This historic decision marks the first time California has officially listed pumas as a threatened species under the state’s Endangered Species Act, mandating that state agencies take steps to protect these six distinct mountain lion populations.

The decision also requires developers to assess and reduce potential impacts on mountain lion habitats. It encourages more wildlife crossings and road safety improvements, and calls for stricter limits on the most toxic rat poisons.

A recovery plan can now be developed to help ensure these iconic big cats continue to thrive and are protected for generations to come. Under the California Endangered Species Act, such a plan would guide efforts to address the many threats pumas face, including rodenticide poisoning, disease, habitat loss, and vehicle collisions.