Ocorrência de Puma concolor (Linnaeus) (Felidae, Carnivora) em áreas de vegetação remanescente de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Abstract

PRESENCE OF PUMA CONCOLOR (LINNAEUS) (FELIDAE, CARNIVORA) ON REMNANT HABITATS IN SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL. Several reports on puma (Puma concolor) have been done in the State of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, most of them in remnant original habitats above 800 meters. These records show a thight relationship between the puma with the altitude and mostly with the habitat quality. In the Eastmost side of Santa Catarina, these habitats are found alongside the mountain chains of Serra do Mar e Serra Geral, and limit the distribution of puma in the east side of the State. The definite implementation of National Parks and Reserves, studies of movements, and polimorfism analyses are suggested, in order to provide protected habitats and assure the genetic flow amongst puma populations.