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Sollmann, R.; Betsch, J.; Furtado, M.M.; Hofer, H.; Jacomo, A.T.A.; Palomares, F.; Roques, S.; Torres, N.M.; Vynne, C.; Silveira, L.
Note on the diet of the jaguar in central Brazil
2013 European Journal of Wildlife Research (59): 445-448
Diet of the jaguar _Panthera onca_ in the Cerrado, central Brazil, was investigated based on a sample of genetically identified jaguar scats. At least nine prey species were observed in 35 scat samples. Giant anteaters_ Myrmecophaga tridactyla _contributed more than 75 % of biomass to the observed diet. Tapirs _Tapirus terrestris_ and peccaries _Tayassu pecari_ and _Pecari tajacu _contributed approximately 6 % to jaguar diet each, and small mammals contributed least to the jaguar diet. At 0.121, dietary niche breadth was narrower than reported in most other studies. Due to their physical characteristics and abundance, giant anteaters are likely the most profitable prey for jaguars in Emas National Park, and as an important prey, they should be included in jaguar conservation efforts.
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