Data from: Genomic diversity of cougars across Utah: Evidence for latitudinal differentiation in a continuous population

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.