Determining puma habitat suitability in the Eastern USA

Abstract Pumas ( Puma concolor ) were eliminated from most of the eastern USA a century ago. In past couple decades, their recovery in West has increased puma dispersal into Midwest, with some individuals even traveling to East Coast. We combined published expert opinion data and habitat suitability index an analysis that identified 17 areas Upper Ozarks, Appalachia, New England could potentially host populations future. Thirteen these larger than 10,000 km 2 so likely ensure population’s long-term genetic health. Further, we quantified patch size, human density, livestock percent public land, sociocultural reflecting wildlife values for comparing patches, as well present summary current legislation relevant management East. Our work may be useful identifying suitable restore pumas based not only on quality biophysical habitat, but also social conducive puma-human coexistence.