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Viana, L.R.; da Fonseca, G.A.B.
Estimating Jaguar (_Panthera onca_) Density Using Camera-Trapping and Capture-Recapture Methods in the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce (PERD), the Largest Atlantic Forest Fragment in Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil
2007  Conference Proceeding

Severe reduction in habitat and widespread hunting have been claimed to have decimated the populations of the jaguar (_Panthera onca_) from the Rio Doce valley of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. To investigate this claim, camera trapping was used to verify whether jaguars were still present in the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, the largest Atlantic Forest fragment in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Between June 2004 and October 2005 a sampling effort of 2,825 trap-nights resulted in 17 photos attributed to four _P. onca_ individuals. Using the M (h) model in the program CAPTURE, an abundance of 12 ñ 5.86 (SE) individuals was obtained. The density estimate was calculated based on the "Full MMDM" (Full Mean Maximum Distance Moved) for estimating effectively sampled areas. This method resulted in an estimate of 4.8 individuals per 100km2. Complementary data regarding jaguar dietary preferences and hunting pressure from humans in the park were also collected. Results identified three prey species. Hunting pressure was obtained by analyzing police records (n=133) spanning 12 years (1992-2004). Overall, 190 individuals, 107 guns and 113 hunted animals were apprehended. A majority of those arrested (68%) originated from six out of the nine municipalities that surround the park.

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