g of mountain lions across California helps address the diversity of affected parties that express interest and concern over California’s carnivore species. For example, wildlife managers and researchers recognize the Gabilan and Diablo mountains on the central coast of California as an area of connectivity interest due to high-speed rail and highways that bisect the region and their potential deleterious effect on mountain lion populations. Studies suggest that a combination of mortality factors (e.g., connectivity, habitat fragmentation, depredation take, disease) may result in a decline in numbers and genetic diversity to a point that would threaten the viability of populations. Moreover, this area of the state is part of the proposed listing of mountain lions as Threatened or Endangered in a “Southern California/Central Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU)” and there is little spatial or genetic data available across large portions of this area. The CDFW requires an integrated research approach to identify, verify, and potentially mitigate these concerns in a well-coordinated manner statewide. Investigating mountain lion ecology by examining spatial data sets and supplementing them where necessary will enable CDFW to meet these demands in an efficient and costeffective manner. This Agreement will facilitate implementation of mountain lion research and monitoring in California. The purpose of this Agreement is to continue the facilitation of mountain lion research, monitoring, and management across the State using specially trained houndspersons (Contractor). The Contractor will aid in the capture and satellite-collaring of mountain lions to facilitate CDFW research efforts consistent with California Fish and Game Code §1001 and §4800-4810. The work is required on an as-needed basis statewide, with targeted efforts in specific areas of California. The Contractor will receive specific guidance from the CDFW Contract Manager regarding scheduling and focal areas within the study area. B. Work to be Performed Under the direction of the CDFW Contract Manager or designee, the Contractor will provide professional houndsperson services and equipment necessary to assist CDFW in meeting current mountain lion conservation and management objectives. With the Contractor’s assistance, CDFW will capture and attach GPS-Satellite collars on mountain lions for ongoing statewide program monitoring and research efforts. CDFW anticipates no more than 10 weeks of fieldwork within the study area. The number of days assigned to the Contractor will vary based on Contractor availability, daily rate, experience, housing, and overall budget limitations. The estimated workdays for the Contractor may change throughout the season based on weather conditions, CDFW staff availability, and/or other unforeseen circumstances (e.g., wildfire). As such, there is no guarantee to a specific number of workdays for the Contractor.
