The adaptable Puma (Puma concolor) is also known as the Cougar, Mountain Lion and Panther among many other names. Pumas are widespread from Canada through North and Central America to South America, but have disappeared from many regions within this vast range due to persecution.

Puma (Puma concolor) Unique Facts

~ One of the very few cat species with plain coats ~

~ Widest distribution of all mammals in the Western Hemisphere ~

~ Over forty English common names ~

Puma (Puma concolor) - Puma Lineage — Florida Panther Image Source
By Larry W. Richardson U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Puma (Puma concolor) Classification

The taxonomy or scientific classification of the Puma species (Puma concolor) is as follows:

Kingdom: Animalia (animals)

Phylum: Chordata (vertebrates)

Class: Mammalia (mammals)

Order: Carnivora (carnivores)

Suborder: Feliformia (cat-like)

Family: Felidae (cats)

Genus: Puma

Species: Puma concolor (puma / cougar / mountain lion)

Puma (Puma concolor) Subspecies (lower classifications)

Globally Pumas are listed as Least Concern (LC) although some subpopulations are considered threatened. Currently six subspecies are recognized:

Puma concolor cougar
Puma concolor costaricensis

Puma concolor capricornensis
Puma concolor concolor
Puma concolor cabrerae
Puma concolor puma

North America
Central America

South America - eastern
South America - northern
South America - central
South America - southern

Reference: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2017-1. <www.iucnredlist.org> Puma concolor 23 May 2017.

Puma (Puma concolor) Conservation

The following organizations are actively protecting the declining populations of Pumas. Projects include facilitating recolonization and dealing with new threats of road barriers and roadkill in built up areas in North America.