Tiny California preserve reveals how mountain lions reshape local ecosystems
Stanford researchers at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve documented increased mountain‑lion (puma) activity from 2015–2020, including daytime sightings, alongside a drop in deer and signs of vegetation recovery (oak saplings), pointing to a trophic cascade in this suburban enclave. As big cats moved in, coyotes and bobcats declined while fox activity rose, potentially affecting rabbits. The findings, published in Ecology and Evolution, suggest even small preserves connected to larger wildlands can show pronounced ecological ripple effects and underscore the importance of preserving predator habitats.