IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Caruso, N.; Luengos Vidal, E.M.; Lucherini, M.; Guerisoli, M.; Martinez, S.; Casanave, E.B. | |
| Carnivores in the southwest of the province of Buenos Aires: ecology and conflicts with farmers | |
| 2017 Ria (43): 4-13 | |
The key role that wild carnivores play in ecosystems is threatened by human persecution and habitat alteration worldwide. The SW of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, is a region strongly modified by the spread of agriculture and where, in the last years, there has been an increase in carnivore predation on livestock. The simultaneous study of the ecology of carnivores and of their conflicts with ranching activities is essential to find solution that can minimize the impact of these species on the regional economy while maintaining their ecological role. We deployed camera traps in the Buenos Aires counties of Villarino and Patagones to study the factors affecting the distribution of the four most common species (puma, Puma concolor; Geoffroy's cat, Leopardus geoffroyi; Pampas fox, Pseudalopex gymnocercus; Molina's hog-nosed skunk, Conepatus chinga). Semi-structured interviews to local ranchers and participative workshops were carried out to analyze human-carnivore conflicts. From 2008 to 2015, we surveyed 49 camera trap sites and characterized the study area through 12 variables related to anthropogenic alterations and to landscape composition and fragmentation. We also completed 193 interviews and four workshops. For the interviews we used a questionnaire focused on collecting information on socio-economic aspects of ranchers and ranch management, while in the workshops we searched for a common agreement on the relevance of the potential factors affecting human-carnivore conflicts. The application of Generalized Linear Models to camera trapping data indicated that the use of habitat by carnivores in the region is affected by the alterations of natural habitats. The Pampas fox and skunk were the species with greater adaptability, whereas the puma and Geoffroy's cat appeared to be more sensitive to ecosystem modifications. Pumas avoided intensively modified sites and preferred natural patches. Losses on livestock by pumas and Pampas foxes during the previous year were reported by 47% and 55% of respondents, respectively, and 93% of ranchers considered carnivores as detrimental to regional production. Workshop participants identified a possible increase in conflicts associated to the decrease in human presence in ranchlands. Although illegal hunting of carnivores appears to be the most common response to conflicts, ranchers showed interest and motivation to explore mitigation measures. The comprehension of the socio-economic dynamics occurring in the SW of Buenos Aires is extremely urgent for conflict mitigation. Nevertheless, long term solutions will require the engagement of local communities and different government institutions. |
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