The Puma
Scientific Name: Puma concolor
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Weight: 50-250 pounds
Description:
The puma is a cat known by many names; cougar, mountain lion, panther, red tiger, silver lion, and catamount. Genetic analysis show 3 distinct geographical groups, making up 6 recognized subspecies. The puma is the largest of the purring cats, with a large head and neck, heavily built forequarters, slender hind quarters, and muscular limbs. The long tubular tail measures two thirds of its body length and is distinctive. The Puma is uniformly coloured without body markings, typically light to dark tawny-brown with creamy-white underparts. Temperate Pumas tend to have paler, light greyish colouration particularly in the long, dense winter coat, while tropical individuals tend to rich, brick-red tones. The tail tip and the ear backs are dark brown to black , and the white mussel is bordered by black.
Prey:
Prey varies throughout the puma’s range, from arthropods, small mammals, birds, large deer, alpaca, wild pigs, sheep, mountain goats, and elk.
Biology:
Pumas breed year round and cubs can be born in any month, however in colder parts of its range, winter births are uncommon. Gestation lasts 82-98 days, averaging 92 days. Litters average 2-3 cubs, but they can have up to 6.