Our collaboration with University of California Davis’ Wildlife Health Center (WHC) was our earliest undertaking on behalf of wild cats and continues to be a cornerstone of our efforts today. Felidae has also strategized with WHC and the California Department of Fish and Game on drafting a statewide puma plan.

We work closely with WHC’s executive director Walter Boyce, providing funds and other support for his studies in the San Diego area. WHC partners with the Anza Borrego Institute in southern California to restore healthy wildlife populations. Other partners include The Nature Conservancy and State Parks. Undergraduates, graduate students, and postgraduate students are engaged in field work, studying puma habitat and behavior.

Dr. Boyce’s satellite radio-collaring projects provide critical data about puma movements, highlighting trouble spots for these increasingly threatened animals. Maps serve as a compelling visual representation of the difficulties pumas face as they strive to travel through their natural range, often restricted by human development. Such data helps researchers determine ways to assist in safe passage, such as building a freeway underpass or overpass.

In addition to supporting vital research, Felidae engages in community outreach that promotes more humane methods of managing puma-human encounters. Learn about our unique puma education program.