Observations and preliminary testing of jaguar depredation reduction techniques in and between core jaguar populations

Abstract

Due largely to their success in undisturbed areas, the conservation of large carnivores is tied to protected areas. However, because of their large area requirements, large carnivores – and their conservation – will also always be linked to areas outside of protected areas. Retaliatory killing of jaguars near reserves and in corridors between reserves threatens to severely decrease jaguar populations in protected areas and their corridors, thus decreasing the ecological viability of protected areas for the species. Resolving this conflict will allow jaguars to utilize the human-dominated landscape, provide opportunities for corridor conservation, and enhance the effectiveness of protected areas. We review methods to reduce depredation of livestock and prevent lethal control of jaguars. Approaches to mitigate conflict include insurance schemes, management of wild prey, and above all, improving livestock husbandry and management. Improvements that are recommended for specific problem farms and ranches might include electric fencing, night enclosures, designs for newborn holding pens, the use of guard animals, and partial herd immersion of creole cattle races or water buffalo. We describe multiple testing scenarios and results from throughout Latin America for reducing livestock depredation across protected areas and agricultural landscapes.