Natural recolonization and suburban presence of pumas (Puma concolor) in Brazil

Abstract

The puma ( Puma concolor , Carnivora: Felidae), extinct from considerable extensions of its former distribution, is considered threatened in south, southeast and northeast Brazil. Areas in the south and southeast have only recently been recolonized by the species, following decrease in logging activities after depletion of the Atlantic rainforest in the 1960s, and measures implemented since 1993 to protect this ecosystem. Data on recovery of puma populations was obtained from field observations based on the onset of depredation on sheep flocks in 1988, and also from the presence and growing number of records of pumas in urban and suburban areas since 2004. Logging bans caused a rural exodus since and also a 15 fold drop in the deforestation rate, creating conditions for a partial recovery of wildlife. Thirty-five records of puma were compiled demonstrating the historical presence of the species in the area prior to its temporary absence. Recent records included twenty-four cases in urban and suburban areas, and eleven of current breeding populations.