Relative density of pumas (Felis concolor) in a forestry ecosystem of southern Chile
Relative density of pumas (Felis concolor) in a forestry ecosystem of southern Chile
Authors
Munozpedreros, A
Rau, JR
Valdebenito, M
Quintana, V
Martinez, DR
Rau, JR
Valdebenito, M
Quintana, V
Martinez, DR
Authors
Date
Datos de publicaciĆ³n:
REVISTA CHILENA DE HISTORIA NATURAL,Vol.68,501-507,1995
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Abstract
The puma (Felis concolor) is considered a harmful predator that attacks livestock (especially sheep and goats) in southern Chile. To detect seasonal and annual population changes of puma trends in a scent-station line was established at Colonia Loncoche, a locality with remnant native forests used for farming, livestock production, and exotic pine plantation (Pinus radiata D. Don). Plaster disks saturated with commercial bobcat urine were used as attractants. Ninety-one tracks of kittens/juveniles and sub-adult/adult pumas were recorded and measured, thus allowing a clearcut discrimination between both age classes. Maximum puma visiting rates observed during autumn (1988) and spring (1988) may be attributed to the addition of puma recruits to the resident population.