Diet of puma (Puma concolor) in sheep ranches of central Patagonia (Argentina)

• Published in: Journal of arid environments Vol. 177; p. 104145
• Main Authors: Llanos, Romina, Travaini, Alejandro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2020
• Subjects: Carnivore-human conflict; Livestock predation; Patagonia; Preventive management; Puma concolor; Puma diet; Puma diet; Puma concolor; Preventive management; Patagonia; Livestock predation; Carnivore-human conflict
• ISSN: 0140-1963; 1095-922X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2020.104145

Sheep depredation by puma (Puma concolor) is a socio-environmental problem that has intensified in recent decades in Patagonia. A bounty system to control this carnivore is implemented in Chubut province (central Patagonia), whereas alternative measures to mitigate the conflict are still in progress. A common recommendation to limit livestock depredation by large carnivores is to maintain suitable levels of wild prey populations. To evaluate the applicability of this recommendation, we examined the puma diet in ranches of the northeastern of Chubut. We analyzed the stomach and intestinal contents of 21 pumas hunted under provincial legislation. The guanaco (Lama guanicoe) represented around 75% of the total biomass consumed. Sheep was the second prey in relevance, but their contribution to the diet was four times lower than the guanaco. Our results emphasize the role of this large native ungulate as main prey and its potential relevance as a buffer against predation on sheep. This study provides information that could be useful for preventive management of livestock predation in Patagonia. •Stomach and intestinal contents of 21 pumas hunted in Chubut province were analyzed.•The main prey consumed by pumas in livestock ranches was the guanaco.•Sheep contribution to diet was four times less than that of the guanaco.