Main figure: Example of the predominance of road use in jaguars, in three different regions. 1) In Brazil, two jaguars are monitored using different roads in an agricultural area in the ecoregion Pantanal. The central area has low tree cover and surrounding areas with high tree cover. 2) In Paraguay, the main road is frequently used and crossed by two jaguars; trees cover ~ 50%. 3) Region of Argentina, with a tree cover of 100%, an individual is frequently observed using the main road. Jaguar photo by Eduardo Fragoso
In my recent research, published in the Journal for Nature Conservation, I explored the intricate relationship between the jaguar (Panthera onca) and its habitat in a landscape increasingly shaped by human activities. Recognizing the jaguar’s significance as an apex predator and a symbol of the Americas’ rich biodiversity, my study aimed to understand how this feline navigates the complexities of a human-modified landscape. By employing a multi-scale approach, I investigated the jaguar’s habitat preferences across its wide distribution range, considering both natural and anthropogenic factors that influence its selection.
My findings revealed that despite the ongoing pressures of human encroachment, jaguars demonstrate a remarkable adaptability to modified landscapes. However, their survival remains deeply intertwined with the availability of natural habitats. Forests, with their dense vegetation cover, and access to water sources emerged as crucial elements for jaguar persistence. These environments not only provide essential shelter and sustenance but also offer refuge from the potential conflicts that arise from human-wildlife interactions. Delving deeper into the jaguar’s relationship with anthropogenic elements, I uncovered intriguing patterns of interaction. Male jaguars, for instance, were found to utilize croplands, particularly under the cover of night, while females displayed a certain tolerance for low-density human settlements. These behaviors suggest a nuanced response to human presence, highlighting the jaguar’s ability to adapt and exploit resources in modified landscapes while strategically avoiding areas of high human and livestock density (figure below).
Figure: Jaguar estimated selection coefficients by sex and circadian period for each standardized environmental variable. Values above 0 represent selection and values below 0 represent avoidance.
One of the most surprising findings of my research was the positive selection of roads by jaguars. Despite the well-documented risks associated with roads, such as vehicle collisions and habitat fragmentation, jaguars were found to utilize them as travel corridors, and potentially even as hunting grounds. This unexpected behavior underscores the need for targeted mitigation measures, such as wildlife crossings and fences, to reduce the risk of roadkill and foster a safer coexistence between jaguars and humans (Main figure).
The implications of my research extend beyond the realm of jaguar ecology. By understanding the intricate ways in which this apex predator interacts with its environment, we gain valuable insights into the broader challenges of conservation in a human-dominated world. The jaguar’s adaptability serves as a testament to the resilience of wildlife, but it also highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to protect and preserve natural habitats. In the context of the “landscape of coexistence,” my findings emphasize the importance of striking a balance between human development and wildlife conservation. By recognizing the jaguar’s habitat needs and implementing strategies that minimize conflict, we can create a future where both humans and jaguars can thrive. This requires a multi-faceted approach that includes not only the protection of natural areas but also the promotion of sustainable land-use practices and the education of local communities about the importance of coexisting with this iconic species.
In conclusion, my research contributes to a growing body of knowledge that seeks to understand and address the complex challenges of wildlife conservation in the Anthropocene. By shedding light on the jaguar’s remarkable adaptability and its nuanced interactions with the human environment, I hope to inspire further research and action that will ultimately lead to a more harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world. The jaguar, as both an apex predator and a cultural symbol, serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT:
Alegre, V. B., Rio-Maior, H., de Faria Oshima, J. E., Niebuhr, B. B., Morato, R. G., & Ribeiro, M. C. (2023). The effect of anthropogenic features on the habitat selection of a large carnivore is conditional on sex and circadian period, suggesting a landscape of coexistence. Journal for Nature Conservation, 73, 126412.