Gene flow estimates in Utah's cougars imply management beyond Utah

We present results from a study of genetic variation in Utah's cougar popul ation. Estimates were based on data for 50 animals at nine microsatellite l oci with five individuals sampled for each of ten management units througho ut Utah. Levels of variation were moderate (average genetic diversity acros s populations was estimated to be 0.4687 for all 50 individuals), and compa rable with other large mammals. But this level of variation for the microsa tellite loci translated into an inbreeding effective population size of onl y 571 animals, much lower than the current estimates of census sizes of aro und 2000-3000. A lack of differentiation among the sampled populations acro ss Utah (average N(e)m = 6.2) indicates that gene flow occurs over a large area. Since cougars are capable of movement beyond the Utah state borders ( and certainly across management units), a better understanding of migration rates and patterns of dispersal will be achieved by sampling a much larger geographic region incorporating much of the western USA. Successful manage ment and conservation of this species will then require a far more integrat ed approach, involving agencies across a number of states, as opposed to cu rrent management practices involving individual units within states.