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 Classification   Puma Lower Classifications   Puma Conservation

Puma Facts and Information   Books about Pumas   Adventure Trips to South America

Puma (Puma concolor) Unique Facts

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

~ Widest distribution of all mammals in Western Hemisphere ~

~ Over forty English common names ~

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)

Subfamily: Felinae (small cats / non-pantherine)

Genus: Puma

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

Puma (Puma concolor) Subspecies (lower classifications)

The globally conservation status of Pumas is Least Concern (LC) although some subpopulations are considered threatened. Currently six subspecies are recognized:

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.

• Felidae Conservation Fund - San Francisco Puma Project
• Urban Carnivores - Mountain Lions Los Angeles
• Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge
• Panthera - Puma Program: Yellowstone, California, Chile

Puma (Puma concolor) Facts and Information

The following websites have well researched and authoritative information on pumas:

• Puma Fact Sheet - ARKive
• Puma Images and Video Clips in the Wild - ARKive
• Puma Infographic - Panthera

• Puma Status and Distribution Map - IUCN Red List
• Puma Detailed Information and Academic Reference List - IUCN Cat Specialist Group

Books About Pumas / Cougars / Mountain Lions