R E S E A R C H H E L P S U N D E R S T A N D
M O U N T A I N L I O N M O V E M E N T ,
H A B I T A T U S E A N D P O P U L A T I O N S I Z E
The recent recolonization of the Pine Ridge, Niobrara River Valley,
and Wildcat Hills has brought new questions regarding management
of mountain lions and their impact on prey species such as bighorn
sheep, elk and mule deer. To help answer these questions and allow
for better management of both predator and prey, the Commission
began a statewide research project in 2015. As part of this research,
mountain lions are fitted with global positioning system (GPS) collars
in the Pine Ridge and statewide as possible. Location data from
collared animals will also allow for identification of home range sizes,
movement patterns, habitat use after wildfires in 2012, and impacts
on prey species. This research will also allow for refinement of
estimates derived through genetic surveys. Nine mountain lions were
captured and collared. Capture efforts will continue over the next few
years.
P E R E G R I N E
F A L C O N
P R O J E C T
S U C C E S S
C O N T I N U E S
Each spring, people
across the world watch
streaming video of the
peregrine falcons nesting
on the 18th floor of the
Nebraska Capitol. The
same pair has nested
and reared their young
at the Capitol for more
than a decade, fledging
22 young falcons since
2005. Over the past few
years, several of their
offspring have appeared
in other cities and begun raising families of their own. The birds'
identities are known because each is banded and named. Boreas,
PEREGRINE
FALCON
AT
WOODMAN
TOWER
IN
OMAHA
12 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2015 Annual Report
