Conflicts caused by predation on domestic livestock by large cats in quilombola communities in the Atlantic Forest

Abstract

Domestic livestock predation by jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) was recorded from 1998 to 2000 and local opinion to solve the conflict was investigated in two quilombola communities in the Atlantic Forest. The householders were interviewed regularly from May 2000 to January 2001. Predation depended on the number of domestic animals per household, and was apparently selective and possibly seasonal. The economic damage was high when associated with the low livestock number. People's attitude towards predators was negative and most of those surveyed (54%) suggested these animals should be eliminated. Knowing the local perception is essential to adopt a participative management to reduce household losses and to guarantee large cats' conservation.