Puma and livestock in central Patagonia (Argentina): from ranchers' perceptions to predator management

We analyzed surveys from 383 ranchers to determine their perceptions of puma damage in Chubut province (Central Patagonia). Thirty-two percent of respondents had a negative perception, while 65% were neutral. Negative perceptions increased: (a) with the breeding of mixed livestock, (b) with the pres...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inHuman dimensions of wildlife Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 1 - 16
Main Authors Llanos, Romina, Andrade, Analia, Travaini, Alejandro
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Philadelphia Routledge 02.01.2020
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Animal husbandry
Control methods
human perceptions
Human-carnivore conflict
Livestock
Livestock breeding
livestock depredation
Perceptions
Predation
predator's management
Puma concolor
Ranches
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Summary:We analyzed surveys from 383 ranchers to determine their perceptions of puma damage in Chubut province (Central Patagonia). Thirty-two percent of respondents had a negative perception, while 65% were neutral. Negative perceptions increased: (a) with the breeding of mixed livestock, (b) with the presence of neighboring inactive, and (c) in small and medium ranches. Our results showed that ranchers use both lethal control and non-lethal methods (regular patrol of the ranch areas, night and seasonal enclosures, guardian dogs) to reduce livestock predation. Lethal control has great acceptance among ranchers, but there is a general lack of evidence about its effectiveness. Considering that our results indicated that the puma may not be the major problem in livestock areas, it is necessary to review the current management policy. We suggest focusing efforts to reduce livestock depredation only on affected ranches, prioritizing the development of non-lethal methods.
ISSN:1087-1209
1533-158X
DOI:10.1080/10871209.2019.1668987