IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Cavalcanti, S.M.C. | |
| Spatial Ecology and Social Interactions of Jaguars (_Panthera onca_) in the Southern Pantanal, Brazil | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
Understanding the social dynamics and space use of jaguars is essential for management strategies that would ensure their long-term conservation. We initiated an intensive study of jaguar ecology in the Pantanal, with GPS-based radio collars that allowed the intensive monitoring of 10 jaguars and the examination of their space use, movement rates, and social interactions. Estimates of home ranges varied among individuals and seasons. Home ranges sizes in the dry seasons were generally larger than in the wet seasons. Core areas sizes did not differ between the seasons but stability and site fidelity within individual ranges varied considerably among individuals and seasons. We found a pattern of spatial avoidance among females during the wet season. Among males, home range overlap was extensive, both in the wet and in the dry seasons. Jaguars did not move independent of each other. Cats were located <200 m apart more often than expected. Our data suggest either a low survival rate of young or that jaguar may in fact be a more social species than previously thought. The understanding of how different ecological variables influence the land tenure system of jaguars will be of key importance for the conservation of this secretive carnivore. |
|
 |
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) |