Felids

Aim: Reliable estimates of population density are fundamental to wildlife conservation and management. Although the leopard cat is the most common and widespread wild felid in China, little is known about the ecology and population biology of this species in the country. Using spatially explicit capture-recapture (SERC) modelling derived from extensive camera-trapping data, we estimated the population density and activity patterns of leopard cats in a well-protected private nature reserve in southern China.

Methods: Between June 2020 and May 2021, we conducted a camera-trap survey across a pre-determined grid system in Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), Hong Kong. KFBG was established on a barren hillside following sustained anthropogenic disturbances. After six decades of protection, secondary forest currently covers approximately 80% of the site. We deployed a total of 19 camera trap stations across our small 1.5 km2 study area, with two opposite-facing cameras at each station to obtain images of both flanks of leopard cats. The consecutive 12-month survey yielded 113 independent capture events of the leopard cat, of which 61 events were clear enough to facilitate individual identification. Based on closed population assumptions for capture-recapture models, we also divided the 12-month survey into six two-month sampling periods, and estimated the population density for each sampling period using Maximum Likelihood SECR modelling. We also examined activity kernel densities to estimate the difference in diel activity patterns between wet and dry seasons.

Results: Our analyses revealed that results from two sampling periods were robust and precise enough (i.e., low standard error and narrow 95% confidence intervals) to estimate leopard cat density. We estimated leopard density between June-July 2020 as D = 0.64 ± 0.31 (0.26–1.55) individuals/km2, and between February-March 2021 as D = 0.87 ± 0.48 (0.31–2.40) individuals/km2, which are among the highest density estimates for this species reported in any region. We also found that the diel activity pattern of leopard cats in the study site is arrhythmic during the wet season, but became more nocturnal-crepuscular during the dry season, though they also exhibited some diurnal activity. Kernel density analyses however suggested no significant differences in diel activity patterns occurred between wet and dry seasons. 

Conclusions: Our study provides important early data on the population density of leopard cats in southern mainland China, the results of which allow for comparisons with other studies elsewhere using capture-recapture modelling approaches. We further demonstrate the utility of SECR methods for estimating population density over short and long sampling periods across necessarily small sampling areas. We further provide practical recommendations for conducting camera trap surveys to enhance the success rates of individual identification and “recapture” of leopard cats. In accordance with the conclusion of other studies, our results show that leopard cats are highly adaptable, exhibit great plasticity in daily activity, and thrive well in human-modified landscapes.

The Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi is a medium sized (15–25 kg) cat, found only on the Sundaic islands of Borneo and Sumatra. In recent years intensive camera-trapping surveys in Borneo have begun to shed light on the habitat associations and basic ecology of this elusive wild cat, but its distribution on an island-wide scale remains very poorly known. Such information is an essential element in the assessment of the Sunda clouded leopard’s conservation status and in the development of conservation action. In this paper we use MaxEnt niche distribution modelling to make predictions regarding the current distribution of this cat on Borneo. We collected a total of 259 occurrence records for the Sunda clouded leopard, stemming from all Bornean regions apart from Brunei and South Kalimantan, of which 48 (Balanced Model) or 94 (Spatial Filtering Model) were used in our modelling. Our habitat suitability model suggests that this species has a widespread distribution over a large co...

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and caracals (Caracal caracal) have been used for hunting in the Near and the Middle East since antiquity. In Iran and India the caracal was mainly trained for hunting birds, but in Europe this practice was rare, and is documented only in southern Italy and Sicily by iconographic evidence as far back as the eleventh and twelfth centuries. However, no bone remains of the species have been found so far by the archaeozoological exploration of Italian medieval sites, nor are there any known literary references for the use of caracals for hunting.

1. The ecology of the jaguarundi is poorly known, so I reviewed the literature for all original data and remarks on jaguarundi observations, ecology, and behaviour, to synthesize what is known about the species.

2. Jaguarundis occupy and use a range of habitats with dense undergrowth from northern Mexico to central Argentina, but may be most abundant in seasonal dry, Atlantic, gallery, and mixed grassland/agricultural forest landscapes.

3. Jaguarundis are principally predators of small (sigmodontine) rodents, although other mammals, birds, and squamate reptiles are taken regularly.

4. The vast majority of jaguarundi camera-trap records occurred during daylight hours (0600 h–1800 h); jaguaurndis are also predominantly terrestrial, although they appear to be capable tree climbers.

5. Home range sizes for jaguarundis vary greatly, but most are ≤25 km2; females’ territories may be much smaller than or similar in size to those of males. Males may concentrate movements in one area before shifting to another and, as with other felids, intersexual overlap in habitat use appears to be common.

6. Interference competition may be important in influencing the distribution and ecology of jaguarundis, although their diurnal habits may somewhat mitigate its effect.

7. Conflict between humans and jaguarundis over small livestock may be widespread among rural human communities and is likely to be underreported. Despite this conflict, jaguarundis can persist in agriculturally modified landscapes and small forest fragments.

8. Additional research on local jaguarundi populations from more areas should be a priority to determine the true status of the species.

En 2009 se inicio el PROYECTO PUMA DE LAS PAMPAS. De un desconocimiento total acerca del estatus de la especie en la ecorregion pampeana al inicio de las investigaciones, se paso a conocer la existencia de poblaciones en en unos 70 partidos de la provincia de Buenos Aires y en departamentos del sur de las provincias de Córdoba y Santa Fe. Se registro y se efectuó un seguimiento del proceso de recolonizacion de las pampas de Argentina y se realizo una evaluación del conflicto existente con el hombre en el Sistema de Ventania y en el las Lagunas del sur y Bañados del Saladillo. Asimismo se realizaron estudios de conflicto en áreas de influencia como el extremo sur de la provincia de Buenos Aires (partidos de Villarino y Patagones) y sur de la provincia de La Pampa (departamentos de Hucal y Caleu Caleu). Asimismo, se realizo un póster que comenzó a ser distribuido en el suedeste de Buenos Aires. De aquí en adelante se plantean nuevos desafíos para la preservación del puma en las áreas recolonizadas. Mitigar el conflicto incrementando la tolerancia de las comunidades rurales hacia la especie será el objetivo fundamental del proyecto en esta nueva etapa, ademas de dar continuidad a estudios que actualicen distribución y conflicto en las pampas argentinas.

Livestock predation is one of the main types of conflict between felids and rural communities, resulting in negative effects on human livelihoods and the elimination of predators. It is therefore important to evaluate in the field the effectiveness of nonlethal control techniques that should be economically feasible and socially acceptable. Until now, the effect of deterrents on felids has not been assessed systematically. We hypothesized that the occurrence of alien objects or sounds would scare the felids away, at least temporally. In this study, we applied visual and auditory deterrents in paddocks in a natural reserve of Central Mexico. We performed field tests in six ranches with predation problems: four as treatment plots and two as controls. To test the effectiveness of deterrents, the numbers of tracks and photos of felids, and the number of attacks to livestock that occurred during the test period were compared between the treatment and the control ranches. We also performed a cost-benefit analysis to assess the feasibility of the application of deterrents. Deterrents were effective in reducing predation during the 2-month test. The benefit of their application was 11 times higher than the annual cost of handling of predation for cattle owners and 3 times for owners of goats. Deterrents appear a useful tool that could assist ranchers in livestock protection, indirectly contributing to the conservation of wild felids and promoting their coexistence with rural communities.

Despite the growing body of literature examining the welfare of zoo-housed animals, little standardized work has been published on the effect of construction and environmental disruption on the physiology and behavior of affected animals. When Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL), embarked on a renovation project for its Kovler Lion House, the opportunity was taken to perform a scientific study of behavioral and physiological markers in the resident felids to determine the effect of construction and environmental disruption. Fecal samples and behavioral observations were collected on four felid species (five individuals) before, during, and after the period of construction. As a group, the average z-score for fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentration increased during construction relative to baseline. Levels remained elevated after construction, but trended toward baseline. All individuals demonstrated a significant decrease in the frequency of pacing and time spent visible during construction. Overall activity levels also showed a significant decrease relative to baseline measures. As zoological institutions continue to recognize the importance of habitat design, construction and renovation become inevitable. It is important to be aware of the potential consequences this can have on animals in the vicinity and to work toward minimizing negative effects. One recommendation is the availability of ample retreat and hiding space for felids during disruption to their environment.

Para evitar maiores perdas de biodiversidade, é necessário direcionar esforços para diversas áreas da conservação, como a reprodução em cativeiro. O maior obstáculo, porém, nessa abordagem, é a condição de estresse crônico que diversos animais desenvolvem em cativeiro por deficiências relacionadas ao manejo, às condições de recinto, à nutrição e ao acompanhamento clínico. Melhores resultados na reprodução de felídeos em cativeiro certamente são derivados de baixos índices de estresse crônico no plantel. Objetivou-se com o presente texto revisar mecanismos causadores de estresse crônico e explorar suas possíveis origens bem como, sugerir alterações de manejo para controlá-lo. Palavras-chave: estresse, felídeos neotropicais, manejo em cativeiro, reprodução em cativeiro.

Previous studies have emphasized the overlap in bone modifications by different types of carnivores. However, the documented overlap is not enough to prevent taphonomists from differentiating among carnivore types (e.g., felids, hyaenids and canids). The present work elaborates on previous experimental works and produces an analogical framework created with the intention of differentiating predator/ scavenger bone modification by analyzing furrowing patterns on epiphyseal ends. Taking long bones from the same carcass type as a reference, it will be shown that the three major groups of carnivores (felids, hyaenids and canids) can be successfully differentiated. The patterns of long bone furrowing by these three groups will be presented.

Resumen: El conflicto felinos-humanos es una de las problemáticas más importantes en la conservación de los felinos silvestres. Para el Caribe esta problemática ha venido en aumento por lo que es un aspecto fundamental del PCFC. Se realizó un ejercicio preliminar de análisis de la problemática para los departamentos de La Guajira y Cesar. Tres proyectos piloto han sido implementados para evaluar la problemática en conjunto con las Corporaciones Autónomas Regionales, de forma que se pueda dar una aproximación a la solución de la misma. Se evaluaron todos los casos reportados o denunciados en los dos departamentos y se visitaron las fincas para georeferenciar su ubicación, se implementaron entrevistas y se caracterizaron los ataques. Se encontró una mayor incidencia de conflicto para La Guajira, y principalmente para especies como jaguar y puma depredando sobre ganado vacuno, equino y ovino. El modelo de probabilidad de ataque identifica la distancia a carreteras y cuerpos de agua como los principales determinantes. A su vez, los ataques parecen corresponder entre la especie y las características, y sigue patrones identificables. Este modelo metodológico puede ser aplicado y enriquecido, a la vez que ayuda a priorizar zonas de riesgo para la toma de medidas de reducción del conflicto.

Cave lions (Panthera spelaea), which spread throughout Western Europe for several thousand years, disappeared approximately 14 000-14 500 years ago. They were supposedly replaced by modern lions (Panthera leo) approximately 8000 years ago. Modern lions reached the steppes of Ukraine and Hungary, without penetrating the forests of Central Europe. The present study focuses on Italian and Spanish findings that possibly bridge the alleged absence of these big cats from Europe for 6000 years. Fossil lion remains from reliably radiocarbon-dated levels have been plotted against the d 18 O curve and mapped. The accumulated evidence indicates that lions inhabited Western Europe uninterruptedly from the early Middle Pleistocene up to the Early Holocene. Moreover, all of the latest Pleistocene/early Holocene lion-bearing localities do not range farther than the 44th parallel north and are located at relatively high altitudes. Two working hypotheses are formulated: one, which is less likely because it is not supported by palaeontological evidence indicating earlier migrations of lions from Africa, suggests that modern lions entered Western Europe prior to 8000 years ago; the second, which is more probable, suggests that P. spelaea (or an advanced offspring of the species) survived up until the latest Pleistocene. Panthera leo accessed Eastern Europe between 6000-6500 and 8000 years ago but was prevented from penetrating further west, probably because of the intrusive presence of their indigenous European relatives, and/or the increasing encroachment of modern human populations.

Actualmente las áreas urbanas se encuentran en un rápido crecimiento espacial y demográfico, impactando el funcionamiento del ecosistema natural en que estas se asientan al disminuir la cantidad y calidad de las zonas verdes (Sorensen et al. 1998, Sierra 2012). Como producto de estos impactos se encuentra la fragmentación de las coberturas naturales, condicionando la viabilidad de las especies silvestres, cuya persistencia exige una constante adaptación a los retos impuestos por la transformación de su hábitat (Sierra 2012).

La ciudad de San José de Cúcuta, ubicada en el departamento de Norte de Santander (7°50′17″N, 72°50′46″W) no es ajena a esta problemática; su área urbana de 73 km² se encuentra en un valle considerado como un enclave árido (Hernández-Camacho et al. 1992), el cual conserva una muestra representativa del bioma de Bosque Seco Tropical (Bs-T) (674 Km2), teniendo a su vez gran relevancia el río Pamplonita y los bosques de ribera circundantes (Figura 1). Este ecosistema se considera como uno de los más amenazados del mundo debido a las fuertes presiones antrópicas históricas y actuales, quedando menos del 8% de su cobertura original en el país (García et al. 2014).

La tafonomía actualista constituye una poderosa herramienta para evaluar el rol de los carnívoros como formadores activos del registro fósil. Caracterizar la firma tafonómica de diferentes depredadores es clave para interpretar los patrones observados en los conjuntos
faunísticos. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de una muestra ósea obtenida de 10 heces de puma procedentes del Parque Nacional Sierra de las Quijadas (San Luis, Argentina). El objetivo general es caracterizar estos restos para generar una herramienta útil en la interpretación del registro fósil. El procesamiento de las fecas permitió recuperar 2913 especímenes óseos. Los resultados indicaron que el largo promedio de los especímenes es de 8,49 mm, en tanto que el
ancho promedio es de 4,53 mm. Se determinó un NTAXA de nueve, con predominio de individuos de la Subfamilia Dolichotinae. El 6,5% de la muestra presentaba marcas de dientes y el 91% evidencias de corrosión gástrica. En conclusión, este trabajo contribuye a la construcción de
marcos de referencia útiles para la interpretación de los conjuntos fósiles. Dado que el puma es un carnívoro generalista y oportunista, al momento de utilizar estas herramientas deben tenerse en cuenta los ensambles faunísticos pasados y presentes del área de estudio.

Actualistic taphonomy is one of the most powerful tools when evaluating the role of carnivores as active formers of the fossil record. Characterizing the taphonomic signature of different predators is key to the interpretation of the patterns observed in faunal assemblages.
This paper presents the results of a bone sample obtained from 10 puma scats collected in Sierra de las Quijadas National Park (San Luis, Argentina). The main objective is to characterize the ingested bone remains in order to generate a useful tool for the interpretation of the fossil record. The cleaning of the scats allowed to recover a total of 2913 bone specimens. The results indicated that the mean length of the specimens is 8.49 mm and the mean width is 4.53 mm. We determined an NTAXA of nine, with a predominance of individuals from the Dolichotinae Subfamily. 6.5% of the specimens presented tooth marks and 91% showed evidence of gastric corrosion. In conclusion, this study contributes to the construction of useful frames of reference for the interpretation of fossil assemblages. Since the puma is a generalist and opportunistic carnivore, we must consider the past and present faunal assemblages of the study area when applying these tools.

Previous studies have emphasized the overlap in bone modifications by different types of carnivores. However, the documented overlap is not enough to prevent taphonomists from differentiating among carnivore types (e.g., felids, hyaenids and canids). The present work elaborates on previous experimental works and produces an analogical framework created with the intention of differentiating predator/scavenger bone modification by analyzing furrowing patterns on epiphyseal ends. Taking long bones from the same carcass type as a reference, it will be shown that the three major groups of carnivores (felids, hyaenids and canids) can be successfully differentiated. The patterns of long bone furrowing by these three groups will be presented.

Para evitar maiores perdas de biodiversidade, é necessário direcionar esforços para diversas áreas da conservação, como a reprodução em cativeiro. O maior obstáculo, porém, nessa abordagem, é a condição de estresse crônico que diversos animais desenvolvem em cativeiro por deficiências relacionadas ao manejo, às condições de recinto, à nutrição e ao acompanhamento clínico. Melhores resultados na reprodução de felídeos em cativeiro certamente são derivados de baixos índices de estresse crônico no plantel. Objetivou-se com o presente texto revisar mecanismos causadores de estresse crônico e explorar suas possíveis origens bem como, sugerir alterações de manejo para controlá-lo.

The Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi is a medium sized (15-25 kg) cat, found only on the Sundaic islands of Borneo and Sumatra. In recent years intensive camera-trapping surveys in Borneo have begun to shed light on the habitat associations and basic ecology of this elusive wild cat, but its distribution on an island-wide scale remains very poorly known. Such information is an essential element in the assessment of the Sunda clouded leopard's conservation status and in the development of conservation action. In this paper we use MaxEnt niche distribution modelling to make predictions regarding the current distribution of this cat on Borneo. We collected a total of 259 occurrence records for the Sunda clouded leopard, stemming from all Bornean regions apart from Brunei and South Kalimantan, of which 48 (Balanced Model) or 94 (Spatial Filtering Model) were used in our modelling. Our habitat suitability model suggests that this species has a widespread distribution over a large contiguous portion of Borneo. The only exception is South Kalimantan, which is predicted largely to comprise unsuitable habitat. The predicted distribution closely follows the current distribution of little-encroached forest on Borneo (including selectively logged and unlogged areas). The species is notably predicted to be absent from the extensive areas of oil palm plantation, particularly in much of the low-lying coastal land. The predicted range encompasses a large proportion of the existing and proposed protected area network on Borneo. We highlight the priority areas for the conservation of the Sunda clouded leopard in Borneo based on our predicted distribution.

Abstrak (Bahasa Indonesia). Macan Dahan adalah jenis kucing liar yang berukuran sedang (15-25 kg) yang hanya ditemukan di Dataran Sunda seperti Borneo dan Sumatera. Dalam beberapa tahun terakhir, survey intensif menggunakan kamera trap telah mulai menjelaskan asosiasi habitat dan ekologi dasar jenis kucing liar ini, tetapi data sebaran jenis ini pada skala keseluruhan pulau masih sangat kurang. Informasi tersebut merupakan informasi penting untuk menilai status konservasi Macan Dahan dan untuk mengembangkan aksi konservasi yang diperlukan. Dalam penelitian ini kami menggunakan pemodelan sebaran niche MaxEnt untuk membuat prediksi sebaran kucing liar ini di Borneo. Secara keseluruhan kami mengumpulkan 259 catatan kehadiran Macan Dahan di Borneo yang berasal dari Brunei hingga Kalimantan Selatan, dimana 48 (Model Penyeimbang) dan 94 (Model Spasial Tersaring digunakan dalam pemodelan. Hasil analisis pemodelan kesesuaian habitat menunjukkan bahwa jenis ini memiliki sebaran yang luas di Borneo. Satu-satunya pengecualian untuk daerah Kalimantan Selatan yang sebagian besar diprediksi tidak sesuai untuk habitat. Prediksi sebaran jenis ini meliputi sebagian besar kawasan lindung dan kawasan yang diusulkan sebagai kawasan lindung di Borneo. Berdasarkan prediksi distribusi, kami menyusun kawasan prioritas untuk konservasi Macan Dahan di Borneo. Abstrak (Bahasa Malaysia). Harimau Dahan Sunda Neofelis diardi adalah kucing liar yang sederhana besar (15-25 kg). Ia hanya dijumpai di Borneo dan Sumatra di kepulauan Sunda. Sejak beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini, pemantauan yang intensif dengan menggunakan perangkap kamera di Borneo mula memberi maklumat tentang perkaitan habitat dan ekologi asas kucing liar yang sukar ditemui ini; tetapi pengetahuan tentang taburan kucing ini di Borneo masih sangat sedikit yang diketahui. Maklumat taburan ini merupakan elemen penting untuk menilai status pemuliharaan harimau dahan dan bagi pembentukan pelan pemuliharaan spesis ini. Dalam kajian ini, kami menggunakan pendekatan model taburan ceruk (niche) MaxEnt untuk membuat ramalan berkenaan taburan terkini harimau dahan di Borneo. Kami mengumpulkan sejumlah 259 rekod penemuan Harimau Dahan Sunda dari seluruh bahagian Borneo kecuali dari Brunei dan Kalimantan Selatan di mana 48 (Model Seimbang) dan 94 (Model yang ditapis secara spasial) rekod sesuai digunakan untuk tujuan pembentukan model. Model kesesuaian habitat kami menunjukkan bahawa Harimau Dahan Sunda mempunyai taburan yang meluas di sebahagian besar Borneo dengan pengecualian di Kalimantan Selatan, yang diramalkan sebahagian besarnya terdiri daripada habitat yang tidak sesuai untuk spesis ini. Taburan yang diramal ini menyamai taburan hutan terkini yang masih berada dalam keadaan baik di Borneo (termasuk hutan yang dibalak secara terpilih dan hutan yang belum dibalak), dan spesis ini diramalkan tidak terdapat di kawasan ladang kelapa sawit yang luas terutamanya di kawasan tanah rendah pesisiran pantai.

The Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi is a medium sized (15–25 kg) cat, found only on the Sundaic islands of Borneo and Sumatra. In recent years intensive camera-trapping surveys in Borneo have begun to shed light on the habitat associations and basic ecology of this elusive wild cat, but its distribution on an island-wide scale remains very poorly known. Such information is an essential element in the assessment of the Sunda clouded leopard's conservation status and in the development of conservation action. In this paper we use MaxEnt niche distribution modelling to make predictions regarding the current distribution of this cat on Borneo. We collected a total of 259 occurrence records for the Sunda clouded leopard, stemming from all Bornean regions apart from Brunei and South Kalimantan, of which 48 (Balanced Model) or 94 (Spatial Filtering Model) were used in our modelling. Our habitat suitability model suggests that this species has a widespread distribution over a larg...

Efforts in different areas of conservation, like captive breeding, are extremely important to avoid further loss of biodiversity. The biggest obstacle in this approach however, is the condition of chronic stress that several animals develop in captivity because of failures related to the management, enclosure conditions, nutrition and health. Good results in the reproduction of felids in captivity are certainly derived from low levels of chronic stress. The purpose in this paper is to review the chronic stress causing mechanisms, besides exploring its possible origins and suggest changes in management in order to control it.

Services (IPBES) could integrate these issues. It is clear there is still scope for better definition of the UNCCD's scientific needs and the gaps in existing mechanisms. An ad hoc working group on scientific advice was established. The Korean hosts announced the Changwon Initiative, which could lead to an agreement on a global target towards zero net land degradation. In the manner of the 2010 biodiversity target it would aim to generate commitment for a 'land-degradation neutral world' by 2030 (http:// www.unccd.int/cop/officialdocs/cop10/pdf/inf8eng.pdf). The UNCCD COP10 also saw progress towards a longcalled-for initiative on land economics. The Economics of Land Degradation initiative kicked off with major support from Germany. This study intends to do for land degradation what The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity has for biodiversity and ecosystem services (and the Stern Report for climate change)−support better understanding of the cost of inaction versus the cost of action on the issue. Despite ongoing challenges to the Convention, the focus on scientific engagement, the progress made in evidencebased management and the extensive efforts to move beyond process and into implementation are all positive signs. The challenge now is for the UNCCD to deliver on this promise.

The Indochinese clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) was recently declared extinct in Taiwan but is a potential candidate for reintroduction. We assessed the level of public support for reintroduction and the value of clouded leopards to Taiwanese residents via their willingness-to-pay (WTP) among indigenous and urban communities for a potential reintroduction to the Tawushan Nature Reserve. We also investigated sociodemographic factors related to such support or lack thereof. Questionnaires were completed by 263 rural indigenous residents and 500 urban residents across three metropolitan areas. We found 48%, 31%, and 21% of rural respondents supported, were neutral toward, or opposed a reintroduction, respectively, whereas for urban respondents these percentages were 71%, 22%, and 7% respectively. Rural and urban residents were >3 and >7 times more likely to pay to support a reintroduction than those willing to pay to prevent it, respectively, and the hypothetical donations of urban and rural supporters totaled 11.1 and 21.3 times more than opposition WTP totals. More positive attitudes towards clouded leopards were positively related to respondent support and greater WTP for reintroduction. Clouded leopard reintroduction is generally supported by the Taiwanese public, but rural support could change post-release given the large percentage of neutral respondents. We recommend indigenous involvement in any reintroduction effort and an educational campaign to increase awareness among Taiwanese residents about clouded leopards and their potential reintroduction. Keywords Rural and urban attitudes. Carnivores. Felids. Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa). Indigenous communities. Extinct species reintroduction. Willingness-to-pay (WTP). Tawushan nature reserve. Taiwan

Knowledge about the pumaPuma concolorin the Mediterranean Andes of South America is scarce, with little information available about its distribution and ecology. The species has been hunted in the region for centuries and seems to be relegated to remote areas, where it still comes into conflict with rural communities. Camera-trap surveys have been used to estimate puma density across the species’ distribution, and this is a relatively cost-effective approach to generate information about species abundance. We tested the performance of this method in the Andes of central Chile, where the rugged topography, unknown detection probability, and an expected low density make abundance estimation by other methods unreliable or expensive. Using a rotation of 17 camera-trap stations, for a total of 680 camera-days, we obtained 16 records of pumas and were able to identify four individuals in an effective sampling area of 628 km2(1/2 mean maximum distance moved) or 1,518 km2(mean maximum dista...

Protected areas play important roles for protecting many endangered species in Indonesia. However, very limited information regarding roles of protected areas and non-protected areas for supporting the habitat of less-concerned carnivores in Java, leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis). We aim to assess the relative roles of non-protected areas for the habitat of this cat on the highly fragmented and populated island of Java. We develop species distribution modelling, using Maxent by integrating various sources of presence data of this species and environmental data. Our finding confirms that leopard cat can life in various habitat types but mainly patchy forest areas. While most of the protected areas are suitable for the habitat of this smallest cat on Java, the non-protected areas provide much larger areas for its habitat (66.8 %). Our findings highlighted the importance of maintaining connectivity among habitat patches in non-protected areas, habitat protection using ...

The small felids deal different threats to its conservation such as deforestation,use as pets, retali-ation, direct hunting and for human consumption. Nevertheless, this threat is poorly documented, in Colombia, the consumption of meat from felines such as the jaguaroundi, cougar and jaguar has been reported. Here report a case of the margay hunting and consumption by the farmers commu-nities in the department of La Guajira. This record is the first that documented this success, and it is represent an important aspect for the conservation of small wild felines in marginal rural areas of Colombia.

Protected areas play important roles for protecting many endangered species in Indonesia. However, very limited information exists regarding the roles of protected areas and non-protected areas in supporting the habitat of less-concerned carnivores in Java, leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis). We aim to assess the relative roles of non-protected areas for the habitat of this cat on the highly fragmented and populated island of Java. We developed a species distribution model using Maxent, integrating various sources of presence data for this species with environmental data. Our findings confirms that the leopard cat can live in various habitat types, but mainly patchy forest areas. While most of the protected areas are suitable habitat for this smallest cat on Java, the non-protected areas offered much larger areas for its habitat (66.8 %). We highlight the importance of maintaining connectivity among habitat patches in non-protected areas, habitat protection using current government policy for high conservation value forest, and other essential ecosystems areas.

El conocimiento de las especies presentes en un lugar es la información básica necesaria destinadas a planificar acciones para la conservación de la biodiversidad, principalmente en especies con problemas de conservación (Sodhi & Ehrlich, 2010). Particularmente los felinos son especies de difícil observación, debido a que en general presentan bajas densidades, tienen hábitos nocturnos y su comportamiento es críptico (Nowell & Jackson, 1996). Para la Región de Atacama se estima la presencia de gato colocolo (Leopardus colocolo) en la zona altoandina y de puma (Puma concolor) en todo el territorio (Iriarte, 2008). Sin embargo, la confirmación de la presencia de estas especies en ésta área de distribución potencial se ha basado principalmente en relatos anecdóticos (Valladares, 2012). Por medio del registro con cámaras trampa instaladas en 2012 y un registro fotográfico directo en el Parque Nacional Llanos de Challe, se amplía el área de distribución del gato colocolo a la zona costera de la provincia del Huasco, representando éste el único registro confirmado de la especie en la Región de Atacama (Espinosa et al., en prensa).

We have investigated the changes in the mechanical properties of the zona pellucida (ZP), a multilayer glycoprotein coat that surrounds mammalian eggs, that occur after the maturation and fertilization process of the bovine oocyte by using atomic force spectroscopy. The response of the ZP to mechanical stress has been recovered according to a modified Hertz model. ZP of immature oocytes shows a pure elastic behavior. However, for ZPs of matured and fertilized oocyte, a transition from a purely elastic behavior, which occurs when low stress forces are applied, towards a plastic behavior has been observed. The high critical force necessary to induce deformations, which supports the noncovalent long interaction lifetimes of polymers, increases after the cortical reaction. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images show that oocyte ZP surface appears to be composed mainly of a dense, random meshwork of nonuniformly arranged fibril bundles. More wrinkled surface characterizes matured oocytes compared with immature and fertilized oocytes. From a mechanical point of view, the transition of the matured ZP membrane toward fertilized ZP, through the hardening process, consists of the recovery of the elasticity of the immature ZP while maintaining a plastic transition that, however, occurs with a much higher force compared with that required in matured ZP.

Knowledge about the current distribution of threatened and/or understudied species is a fundamental component of conservation biology. Mapping species distributions based on recent known occurrences is particularly important for those that are rare or declining. Too often, cryptic species go undetected throughout parts of their range, whereas others just receive less research attention. We used contemporary presence data for the Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul), a small cryptic felid, to characterize potential rangewide and regional habitat for the species and identify those abiotic and biotic variables most influencing its distribution. Several regions lacking contemporary occurrence records contain potential habitat for Pallas’s cats, including the Koh-i-Baba Mountains of Afghanistan, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, steppes of Inner Mongolia, Kunlun Mountains of China, and Tian Shan and Pamir Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and China. Some of these areas have not been included in pri...

In order to generate a more comprehensive understanding of the accumulations produced by small-sized predators in the fossil record, a feeding experiment with captive Geoffroy's cat was carried out and the bone modifications generated on leporid bones were studied. In this paper, we present the results from the analysis of the ingested bones. These results were compared with previously published data on the non-ingested bones from the same experiment, as well as ingested samples from wild Geoffroy's cat and other small-sized predators. Results show that leporid remains consumed by the Geoffroy's cat are extensively fragmented, with light to heavy categories of digestion, and a scarce amount of tooth marks. The taphonomic signature of Geoffroy's cat on ingested bones differs from the non-ingested sample. When evaluating both the ingested and non-ingested remains together the Geoffroy's cat bone modification pattern is characterized by a moderate average relative abundance of elements, a low percentage of tooth marks and a moderate percentage of digestive corrosion.

ABSTRACT Livestock predation is one of the main types of conflict between felids and rural communities, resulting in negative effects on human livelihoods and the elimination of predators. It is therefore important to evaluate in the field the effectiveness of nonlethal control techniques that should be economically feasible and socially acceptable. Until now, the effect of deterrents on felids has not been assessed systematically. We hypothesized that the occurrence of alien objects or sounds would scare the felids away, at least temporally. In this study, we applied visual and auditory deterrents in paddocks in a natural reserve of Central Mexico. We performed field tests in six ranches with predation problems: four as treatment plots and two as controls. To test the effectiveness of deterrents, the numbers of tracks and photos of felids, and the number of attacks to livestock that occurred during the test period were compared between the treatment and the control ranches. We also performed a cost–benefit analysis to assess the feasibility of the application of deterrents. Deterrents were effective in reducing predation during the 2-month test. The benefit of their application was 11 times higher than the annual cost of handling of predation for cattle owners and 3 times for owners of goats. Deterrents appear a useful tool that could assist ranchers in livestock protection, indirectly contributing to the conservation of wild felids and promoting their coexistence with rural communities.