A new study calls for a more regional approach to land-use planning in order to protect California's wildlife corridors. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce tells us what the research means for San Diego County.
The study tracked mountain lions in the Santa Ana mountains using radio collars.
Researchers found one lion traveled across 100 square miles in one month.
Doctor Scott Morrison with the Nature Conservancy says it shows the difficulty in protecting larger land areas where development dots the landscape.
He says San Diego County is doing a good job by setting aside land for conservation.
"I believe that we have the tools to do what needs to be done with regard to conservation in a rapidly developing region like San Diego," Morrison said. "We just need to make sure that we're investing fully in those tools to get those conservation outcomes.
Morrison says it's not just mountain lions that need space but plants and other animals need room to move too.
Morrison says the study highlights the importance of setting aside land now where the opportunity still exists.
Ed Joyce, KPBS News.
