Habitat use and selection of Geoffroy`s cats (Oncifelis geoffroyi) in 3 areas of central Argentina.

MANFREDI C.,; LUCHERINI M.,; CASANAVE E.B.

Oxford University, UK ,17-21 September 2007

Conferencia; Felid Biology and Conservation Conference. An international conference.; 2007

The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Oxford University and IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group

Habitat Use and Selection of Geoffroy`s Cats (Oncifelis geoffroyi) in Three Areas of Central ArgentinaOncifelis geoffroyi) in Three Areas of Central Argentina Claudia Manfredi*, Mauro Lucherini & Emma Beatriz Casanave*, Mauro Lucherini & Emma Beatriz Casanave Universidad Nacional del Sur (GECM), Argentina To understand habitat use and selection by wildcats is important for conservation strategies, especially where human impact is high as in most central Argentina. We aimed to study the use and selection of the habitat by radiotagged Geoffroy’s cats in three areas with a variable degree of human alteration in Pampas grassland/scrubland: Campos del Tuyú Wildlife Reserve (CdT), Tornquist Provincial Park (TPP) and Los Álamos farm (LA). The average home range sizes were 3.43 ± 1.83 km2 at CdT (n = 303 locations, four individuals), 7.67 ± 2.27 km2 at TPP (n = 254, three individuals) and 2.08 ± 2.21 km2 at LA (n = 371, four individuals). Habitats with the most dense vegetation coverage were the most frequently used: dense grassland at CdT (78,2% of locations, no selection), dense wood patches of exotic trees at TPP (47,4%, positive selection) and dense natural scrubland at LA (25,3%, positive selection), where also natural grassland and open scrubland were often used (21.6% and 21.3%). On average, habitat selection tended to increase with the level of human alteration of the area. Although O. geoffroyi shows a certain degree of flexibility in its use of habitat, patches with dense vegetation coverage, which could offer both shelter and availability of prey, appear to be important.2 at CdT (n = 303 locations, four individuals), 7.67 ± 2.27 km2 at TPP (n = 254, three individuals) and 2.08 ± 2.21 km2 at LA (n = 371, four individuals). Habitats with the most dense vegetation coverage were the most frequently used: dense grassland at CdT (78,2% of locations, no selection), dense wood patches of exotic trees at TPP (47,4%, positive selection) and dense natural scrubland at LA (25,3%, positive selection), where also natural grassland and open scrubland were often used (21.6% and 21.3%). On average, habitat selection tended to increase with the level of human alteration of the area. Although O. geoffroyi shows a certain degree of flexibility in its use of habitat, patches with dense vegetation coverage, which could offer both shelter and availability of prey, appear to be important.2 at LA (n = 371, four individuals). Habitats with the most dense vegetation coverage were the most frequently used: dense grassland at CdT (78,2% of locations, no selection), dense wood patches of exotic trees at TPP (47,4%, positive selection) and dense natural scrubland at LA (25,3%, positive selection), where also natural grassland and open scrubland were often used (21.6% and 21.3%). On average, habitat selection tended to increase with the level of human alteration of the area. Although O. geoffroyi shows a certain degree of flexibility in its use of habitat, patches with dense vegetation coverage, which could offer both shelter and availability of prey, appear to be important.O. geoffroyi shows a certain degree of flexibility in its use of habitat, patches with dense vegetation coverage, which could offer both shelter and availability of prey, appear to be important.