Traditionally Recognized Subspecies:
* Puma concolor concolor: Eastern cougar, found in eastern North America
* Puma concolor couguar: Florida panther, found in Florida
* Puma concolor costaricensis: Central American cougar, found in Central America
* Puma concolor puma: Andean cougar, found in the Andes Mountains
* Puma concolor stanleyana: California cougar, found in California
* Puma concolor oregonensis: Northern cougar, found in the western US and Canada
* Puma concolor mississipiensis: Mississippi cougar, found in the southeastern US
* Puma concolor hippolestes: Mexican cougar, found in Mexico
* Puma concolor atrox: Texas cougar, found in Texas
* Puma concolor capricornensis: Brazilian cougar, found in Brazil
* Puma concolor cabrerae: Patagonian cougar, found in Patagonia
* Puma concolor concolor: Eastern cougar, found in eastern North America
Other Potential Subspecies:
* Puma concolor hudsonii: Northeastern cougar, now extinct but potentially a valid subspecies.
* Puma concolor shortii: Florida panther, sometimes considered a separate subspecies.
* Puma concolor browni: Southern cougar, potentially a distinct subspecies in the southern US.
* Puma concolor desperata: Desert cougar, possibly a distinct subspecies in the southwestern US.
Important Note:
* Genetic evidence has challenged traditional classifications. While genetic studies support some subspecies, like the Florida panther and the Andean cougar, they suggest that others may not be distinct enough.
* Some subspecies are considered extinct.
* The specific number of recognized subspecies is still being debated by scientists.
The debate about mountain lion subspecies is complex and ongoing. The information provided here gives a general overview of the current state of knowledge.