Re-discovering jaguar in remaining coastal atlantic forest in southeastern Brazil by non-invasive DNA analysis Redescobrindo a onça-pintada em um remanescente de Mata Atlântica costeira no sudeste do Brasil por análise não-invasiva de DNA

SOUZA, ANDIARA SILOS MORAES DE CASTRO; PAVIOLO, AGUSTIN JAVIER; GALETTI, PEDRO MANOEL; CRAWSHAW, PETER GRANSDEN; SARTORELLO, LEONARDO; SARANHOLI, BRUNO HENRIQUE; RAMPIM, LILIAN ELAINE

BIOTA NEOTROPICA

Universidade Estadual de Campinas UNICAMP

Lugar: Campinas; Año: 2017 vol. 17

1676-0603

Jaguar populations have been declining in Brazil mostly due to habitat loss and fragmentation, conflict with humans, poaching and reduction of prey. This is dramatically true in the Atlantic Forest, where occurrence of this large felid is now restricted to very few remaining areas. We used a non-invasive DNA analysis to search through felid scats collected in the Santa Virginia Unit (SVU) of the Serra do Mar State Park, to test for the potential presence of jaguar there. Our results indicated at least three individuals (two females and one male) inside SVU, thus confirming at least temporary presence of this top predator in this important protected area. It is now crucial to intensify studies in that area and surroundings, to evaluate the status of these individuals and identify conservation needs to urgently improve the prospects for the establishment of a resident population, allowing it to expand to adjoining units of the Serra do Mar State Park and Serra da Bocaina National Park.