Publication: Los Angeles Daily News

UCLA Expert: John Benson: Assistant Professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Member, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability

Synopsis: A 2016 study by UCLA and the National Park Service found that the mountain lion population in the Santa Monica Mountains faces a steep decline and possible extinction in the near future. Experts who conducted the study said the near-extinction of Florida panthers can be “a cautionary tale” for regions like Los Angeles.

UCLA News: “The Santa Monica Mountains population, along with the one in the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County, has the lowest genetic diversity documented for mountain lions aside from Florida panthers,” wrote lead author Benson

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