Big cats are expert hunters. Some may also be expert gardeners.
Scientists have been tracking Pumas (Mountain Lions or Cougars) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem of the western United States by using GPS-collars. They were particularly interested to find that the “kill zones” of the Pumas were very few and far between, and that the Pumas would constantly return to the same few sites to kill their prey.
Looking at these sites in greater detail, the scientists found something interesting.
The Pumas leave behind the carcasses of their prey at these sites. The carcasses break down and release nutrients which enhance the soil quality of these sites. This in turn leads to more prolific plants in that area, which in turn attract more herbivores like Elk and Deer. And then, yes, you’ve guessed it … the herbivores are then hunted and eaten … by the pumas.
In other words, the Pumas seem to be creating nutrient-rich ‘kill gardens’ to attract prey.
“Pumas contribute over a million kg of meat to ecosystems every day, improving the quality of soil and plant life, feeding hundreds of species, and supporting the health of their ecosystems and our planet’s overall web of life.”
Study co-author Mark Elbroch
The authors say this research helps us understand how complex ecosystems work. For example, it could help conservationists prioritize protecting animals that play key roles in keeping ecosystems healthy. By prioritizing these “strongly interacting species,” conservation efforts could better ensure the long-term health and stability of ecosystems.
Denzil Nature 
Interesting read and thought provoking too.
Nature has a purpose with what it does, and it’s better humans stop interfering with Mother Nature.
Thank you Denzil.
What a lovely cat!
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Yes Philo I agree, and it just shows the balance that exists in nature and how easily it can be destroyed.
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What a fascinating read, Denzil. Glad to hear that other animals besides humans are also ecologically astute.
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We’ll probably hear in the future that Elk and Deer are evolving to avoid such places!
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That would definitely make sense. It is funny how to species (prey and predator) both evolve, if not at the same time, at least in response to what the other has become.
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This is an amazing part of the circle of life. Thanks for pointing it out, Danzil.
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Awe-inspiring isn’t it Rebecca!
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Amazing the info you turn up 🤗💟
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It’s a small percentage of what I forget!
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🤣💟
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Interesting! I had always related ‘puma’ to large black cats in South America. I didn’t realise the term is interchangeable with ‘cougar’/’mountain lion’, which we have here.
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Yes I believe the terms are interchangeable. I also thought the black one in South America was a jaguar.
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I think jaguars have spots/markings …..?
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It all goes to show we spoil even more than we realise when we muck around with nature. Fascinating stuff – thanks.
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Indeed. Some of these researchers have interesting jobs don’t they?
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That really is awesome
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It is isn’t it Paul. There must be so many such mini ecosystems that we are simply unaware of.
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I live in the U.S. in the state of Georgia. Our state Department of Natural Resources says there are no cougars here anymore, but I saw one behind my house. Several of my neighbors have seen them, too, including black ones. I felt very blessed to have spotted a cougar here where supposedly none exist.
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Did you manage to get a photo or see any tracks, as evidence of your sighting?
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No photo. I was keeping my daughter’s dog, and we were outside. I was so scared the cougar would come after us that I picked up the dog and ran into the house. There were no tracks because the cougar came down the hill through the woods and was running on dry leaves. None of my neighbors have ever managed to get photos either, but we’ve all seen cougars. No one bothers to call the Department of Natural Resources anymore because they just tell us that what we saw could not be a cougar.
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Looks like they are in for a surprise one of these days.
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Fascinating!
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Thanks Toby, I think you may like our next photo challenge.
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🤗
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How interesting, Denzil.
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Isn’t it Janet? And clever of these researchers to discover it. There’s still so much to discover in the world of nature.
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True.
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Informative post!
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Thanks Belinda.
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This is an interesting lesson in ecology and the members of the natural community. Many animals contribute to the ecology of their environment by their actions. Squirrels plant seeds, mainly acorns. Birds drop seeds as they fly. Other animals defecate seeds. Insects and some mammals and reptiles aerate the soil. Most act as controls of their food species to keep a balance in the world. And of course fungi are quite important to all life as well as also a control. Humans? Well, in all too many cases we are not good for much. Most organisms on the planet are valuable participants in the cycles of life and the Earth’s rebirth.
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Yes I agree Steve, and it is sometimes difficult to see the good that humans do. I think it’s interesting to see which animals contribute to the ecology in a secondary or coincidental way, and which in a direct way, like the pumas seem to be doing.
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