The mountain lion, also known as the cougar or puma, is the Mojave Desert's top predator, capable of hunting a wide range of prey.

The mountain lion (Puma concolor) reigns as the top predator in the Mojave Desert. As an apex predator, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by controlling populations of herbivores such as deer, bighorn sheep, and smaller mammals. Unlike the coyote, which also has a significant presence in the desert, mountain lions are solitary and have a larger range, often living in more remote areas. Although foxes and red-tailed hawks are significant desert predators, the larger and more powerful mountain lion has a greater influence over the food chain.