Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) predation by puma (Puma concolor) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Autor(es)

Magioli, Marcelo ^[1] ; de Barros Ferraz, Katia Maria P. M. ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Florestais, Escola Super Agr Luiz de Queiroz, Lab Ecol Manejo & Conservacao Fauna LEMaC, Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Biota Neotropica; v. 18, n. 1 2018.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

The jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) is the second most widespread carnivore of the Americas, and considered a threatened species in Brazil. However, most of its ecology is unknown, and few information is available about species that may act as its predator. In this study we present evidence of the predation of a jaguarundi by puma (Puma concolor) in a protected area (Carlos Botelho State Park) in the state of Sao Paulo, southeastern Brazil. We collected fecal samples in trails and dirt roads in the study area, and by using hair cuticle imprints and medullar patterns, we identified a puma scat containing hair and claws of a jaguarundi. Pumas usually consume carnivores, but the presence of felids is uncommon, especially in Brazil. This could be considered an antagonist interaction, but pumas and jaguarundis do not compete for territory or prey in large protected areas, since pumas have a high intake of larger prey (> 1 kg). Thus, we conclude that this an episode of intraguild predation for feeding purposes, not a kill in response to competition for prey or territory. This is an important record that helps to understand a bit more of the complex trophic relationships in tropical forests. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 14/10192-7 - Ecologia trófica de carnívoros da Mata Atlântica: utilização da análise de isótopos estáveis e da diversidade funcional para a conservação
• Beneficiário: Marcelo Magioli
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 14/09300-0 - Ecologia trófica, diversidade funcional e ocorrência de mamíferos terrestres na Mata Atlântica
• Beneficiário: Katia Maria Paschoaletto Micchi de Barros Ferraz
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular