IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Kusler, A.; Sarno, R.J.; Volkart, N.S.; Elbroch, M.; Grigione, M. | |
| Local perceptions of puma-livestock conflict surrounding Torres Del Paine NP, Chile | |
| 2017 Cat News (65): 13-16 | |
Livestock depredation by carnivores is a leading cause of human-felid conflict worldwide. In Chilean Patagonia, the traditional practices of free-range sheep grazing suffer significant livestock losses that are predominantly attributed to pumas _Puma concolor_. The escalating puma-livestock conflict in this area prompted us to examine the perceptions of local ranchers of pumas and other native wildlife, and to build support for further conservation research and management in the region. All ranch-ers we interviewed reported significant losses of sheep (range: N = 86-500 / year), and most had negative perceptions of pumas, culpeo foxes _Lycalopex culpaeus_ and guanacos_ Lama guanicoe_, suggesting that perceptions of carnivores and herbivore competitors was largely influenced by perceived risk or competitive impact on livestock. Our results indicated that in order to resolve wildlife conflict in this area, more in-depth research are needed to examine the role of puma predation on livestock herds, and to test potential conflict solutions. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |