On February 12, the California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to grant Southern California and Central Coast mountain lions protection under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). The decision follows a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and the Mountain Lion Foundation to protect six distinct mountain lion populations. After a comprehensive scientific review, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommended these populations receive formal protections.
“This is a major step forward for wildlife on the Central Coast. Mountain lions need space to move, hunt, and maintain healthy populations, and these protections recognize just how urgent that need has become.” —Carlo Calderon, Wildlife Programs Coordinator
A Keystone Species at Risk
Mountain lions are a keystone species, meaning they play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health. By regulating prey populations, limiting overgrazing, and helping reduce disease transmission, they support the balance of entire landscapes.
Despite these benefits, several mountain lion populations in California are in decline—primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation, vehicle collisions, and exposure to rodenticides. A CESA listing requires that all state agencies protect these populations, and future development projects will be required to account for impacts to mountain lions. With this new listing, it’s also possible that a recovery plan could be developed to support their long-term survival.
Los Padres: A Critical Stronghold
Los Padres National Forest provides mountain lions with large tracts of natural landscape and relatively unfragmented habitat that allow them to move freely across the region. Though exact population numbers are unknown, the forest remains one of the most important landscapes for mountain lions along the Central Coast.
In contrast, populations in areas like the Santa Monica Mountains are increasingly isolated by major freeways and development, leading to severe inbreeding and declining genetic health.
A Step Toward Recovery
Thanks to the support of conservation organizations and community voices across the state, including regional Tribal leaders, California is taking an important step toward protecting mountain lions for generations to come.