Direct Prey:
* Deer: Mountain lions are a key predator of deer, so deer populations would likely experience a dramatic increase without them. This could lead to overgrazing and damage to ecosystems.
* Elk: In areas where mountain lions and elk co-exist, elk populations would likely see a similar increase.
* Other ungulates: Mountain lions also prey on smaller ungulates like pronghorn and bighorn sheep. These populations would also likely increase.
Indirect Prey:
* Rodents and rabbits: Deer populations would likely consume more vegetation, leading to an increase in resources for rodents and rabbits.
* Insects: With more deer and elk grazing, the vegetation could become more favorable for certain insect species.
Other Effects:
* Predators of deer: The increase in deer populations could lead to an increase in populations of other predators that also prey on deer, like wolves and coyotes. This could lead to complex interactions and potentially even competition for resources.
* Ecosystem stability: The dramatic increase in prey populations could disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, leading to cascading effects that are difficult to predict.
Important Note: Extinction of any species can have far-reaching and unforeseen consequences. The loss of the mountain lion would be a significant disruption to ecosystems, and the long-term impacts are difficult to predict.