Knowledge, use and cultural value of six prey of jaguar (Panthera onca) and their relationship with this species in San Nicolas de los Montes, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Abstract

During 2007, we obtained information about the knowledge, perception of rural people regarding jaguar, its preys and the factors that affect its distribution and conservation. Additionally, we determined with the Index of Cultural Importance the knowledge, use and value that rural people assign to preys of the jaguar. They recognized as important prey species of the jaguar to white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), brocket (Mazama temama), pecari (Tayassu peccari), coati (Nasua narica), armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) and paca (Cimiculus paca). Most of the villagers (72%) identified also domestic species as preys of the jaguar. According to villager's perception, the more abundant species were pecari, coati and armadillo. Wildlife use for food was the most important since 82% of the interviewed people have consumed some species. The highest value of Cultural Importance was for white tailed deer (27.17). Jaguars in the ejido are considered harmful animals since they prey on livestock. Rural people and jaguars benefit from same wildlife species. The present study is the framework to develop future projects focused on managing and conserving natural resources that exist in the ejido San Nicolas de los Montes, San Luis Potosí.