Pumas use plant fertilization to attract prey, study finds.

A new study suggests that pumas may use a hunting strategy called 'garden to hunt,' where they fertilize plants with the nutrients from their kills, attracting prey to the area for future hunting. The study found that pumas create nutrient-rich hotspots that improve soil and plant quality, influencing where ungulates feed. Scientists estimate that a dozen pumas produce over 100,000 kg of carrion per year, creating approximately 482 temporary hotspots of nutrient-rich soil. Pumas contribute over a million kg of meat to ecosystems every day, supporting the health of their ecosystems and the planet's overall web of life.