The Puma
(Puma concolor)
Niche
Pumas are the main predator in certain areas to animals like deer, rabbits, and other rodents. Without Mountain lions this task is left to humans to deal with.
Characteristics
Mountain lions are mainly a tan-grayish color depending on the region. They stand about 3 feet tall, and up to 12 feet long from head to tail. They are the largest big cat in the western hemisphere.
Location
Their habitat ranges anywhere from Canada to South America. There are currently less than 50,000 left in the wild.
Why they're important
Pumas are primary consumers, but not the average one, they do not only keep our deer population in check, but they also eat rats, mice, moles/shrews, rabbits, and insects. They're also reclusive and try to avoid humans.