IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| de Oliveira, T.G. | |
| Conservation assessment of jaguars (Panthera onca) in eastern Amazonia and northeastern Brazil | |
| 2001 Book Chapter | |
The jaguar (_Panthera onca_), as many lardge felids, is under a series of threats of different intensities throughout its area of occurrence. Amazonia is the largest remaining stronghold for this cat, but the region is increasingly deforested and developed, especially in its eastern limits. A similar pressure also applies to the dryer areas. To assess the current range and conservation status of jaguars in eastern amazonia and the northeastern (dry) region of Brazil, recent records were plotted on a map. The jaguar conservation units (JCU) were delineated on the bases of a series of impacting factors, habitat quality, and population trends, to the best of available knowledge, in a similar fashion as applied to tigers. For every bioregion / vegetative type present (Amazonian broad leaf forest, deciduous forest, savanna and semiarid thorny shrubland), one or more JCU were chosen as key areas, those with the highest potential for maintaining long-term viable populations. Jaguar current distribution has been reduced to 60% of the original area. A total of 11 JCU were identified most with substantial size. Of these, six ranked as level 1(highest rank), two as level 2, and three as level 3. Seven were chosen as key areas. The intensity of human impact varied considerably among theme. Deforestation/ habitat conversion and hunting of prey where the most impacting factors among jaguars. Population trends were decreasing in half the units being more stable (and not threatened) in less populated/ developed areas of the Amazon, and more critical (and endangered) in deciduous forests and, especially on semiarid shrublands. The total area of protected land was also large, especially the Indian reserves. However, their effectiveness is almost non-existent. To safeguard jaguar existence in the region effective measures and a sustainable use plan will need to take place as soon as possible. |
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