Puma density, habitat use and conflict with humans in the Argentine Chaco

The puma Puma concolor is the most widely distributed felid in the Americas. Although it utilizes human-modified landscapes, its extensive territorial requirements, trophic needs, and real or perceived threats to livestock render the puma susceptible to conflict with humans. Our objectives were to evaluate the population density, habitat use, and puma-human conflict in the Argentine Chaco. We conducted camera-trap surveys and interviews over a three-year period, at three sites with different levels of legal protection and with different ranch outpost and livestock densities: Copo National Park (1204 trap days, 24 stations, 17 interviews, national park, lowest ranch/livestock density), Aborigen Reserve (1993 trap days, 29 stations, 13 interviews, indigenous reserve, medium ranch/livestock density) and El Cantor (2129 trap days, 35 stations, 11 interviews, no protection, highest ranch/livestock density). Puma population density was low (<1 individual/100km2) and we found no significant differences in puma density across the three sites. Occupancy models show a positive relationship between puma detectability and the distances from vehicle roads. Legal protection status of the área does not positively affect puma density, probably due to the large edge effect, and weak law enforcement capacity at Copo National Park. Low density of pumas at the three sites could result primarily from retaliation killing of pumas by local ranchers in response to predation on goats. Pumas in the Chaco require effectively managed protected areas, regulation of wildlife hunting and livestock management practices to minimize depredation.