Genomic diversity of cougars across Utah: evidence for latitudinal differentiation in a continuous population

Abstract Genetic data on wide-ranging wildlife species can inform population structure, management decisions, and landscape connectivity. The genetic structure of a population can change over time, alongside changes to population size and connectivity. We analyzed the population structure and genetic diversity of 316 cougars ( Puma concolor ) from Utah and southeastern Idaho using 24,597 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated from double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing. We found linear trends in population structure across a latitudinal gradient but no support for distinct genetic populations. Similar to the findings of previous genetic studies, the cougar population in Utah remains well-connected despite increased habitat fragmentation and urbanization over the last 30 years. Our results suggest a mismatch between the scale of the functional landscape for cougars and the wildlife management units used for cougar management. Our findings highlight the need to increase collaborative management over jurisdictional boundaries for wide-ranging species, such as the cougar.