Jaguar Space Use in the Working Landscape of Darien, Panama

Abstract

Background and Research Aims: Very little research has been conducted on how the transformation of natural ecosystems by human activities can affect space use by large carnivores, especially in the tropics. This study aimed to describe the spatial ecology of jaguars (Panthera onca), one male and four females, in a transformed landscape in Darien, Panama. Methods: We used GPS tracking to document home range size, movement patterns, interactions, and habitat use by jaguars for the first time in Panama. Results: We found important differences in jaguars’ home range size (35 to 131 km2) and overall were smaller than those reported for other areas of the region. We also find differences in the average movement speed across the day, with higher movement rates at dusk and dawn for the male jaguar, but consistent movement across the day for female jaguars, with an average speed of 4.2 kph for the male jaguar and 2.7 kph for females (ranging 2.6 to 3.0 kph across individuals). Jaguars in this transformed landscape exhibited extensive home range overlap with their conspecifics (mean = 59%, range = 8 - 98%), though they avoided occupying the same sites simultaneously. Step Selection Function analyses illustrated that jaguars select forested areas, shrubland, and secondary forests or those that are near the forest while avoiding cattle pastures. Implications for conservation: This study is the first to provide data on jaguars in areas that were once tropical rainforests, but were deforested (∼31% of total study area) for cattle pastures and crops, to show how jaguars can thrive in these landscapes despite human activities. This information is crucial to identify habitat quality requirements, and in addition to the search to minimize the conflict, and plan potential corridors, protected areas for the east region of Panama.