Foraging ecology of an apex predator in forested patches within a human-dominated landscape at Southeast Brazil

AZEVEDO, F. C.; LEMOS, F. G.; FREITAS-JUNIOR, M. C.; FABIANO, E. C.; AZEVEDO, F. C. C. Foraging ecology of an apex predator in forested patches within a human-dominated landscape at Southeast Brazil. Journal for Nature Conservation. Volume 86, August 2025, 126929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126929

Carnivore energy requirements are particularly critical in human-dominated landscapes, where populations are vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures. This study investigates the feeding ecology of pumas (Puma concolor) in a fragmented Brazilian agroecosystem, using GPS collar data and camera trap surveys. We analyzed diet composition, niche breadth, and predation patterns to assess the impact of prey availability on puma foraging behavior. Our findings reveal that pumas in this landscape did not consume prey in proportion to their abundance. Wild species, particularly capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), were the primary prey items. This suggests a specialized diet, potentially influenced by prey availability and accessibility. The estimated mean kill rate was 0.94 ± 0.5 prey/week, and pumas hunted every 2.8 ± 1.15 day. The mean weight of prey was 2.3 kg (range: 1–100 kg), which is lower than reported in temperate regions. Our models suggest that total time spent at a kill site was the primary predictor of predation events. Understanding the foraging ecology of pumas is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies, especially in regions where the species is threatened. By providing insights into puma-prey interactions and potential conflict species, this study can inform the development of coexistence strategies between humans and wildlife.

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