Why some management practices determine the risk of livestock predation by felids in the Selva Maya, Mexico? Conservation strategies

Abstract

The conservation of large carnivores has been undermined in areas where livestock herding is conducted. Livestock becomes potential prey, leading to conflicts, which is one of the main causes of carnivore extinction. We analyzed the management practices and characteristics of the ranches, in the communities around Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, where livestock predation by large felids occurs. We interviewed ranchers about socioeconomic aspects, losses and livestock management. One hundred one ranches with predation cases were compared with 40 without predation. The ranches with cases of predation had more water sources, although more distant, as well as a greater proportion of forest area, compared with ranches without predation. Only 25% of ranchers reported attacks to the authorities and at least 50% opted to kill the predator to solve the problem. The availability of water near ranches or in low-risk areas, mainly during dry season, could be a measure to reduce the losses by predation. Other measures to reduce retaliation are necessary, in addition to the compensation, mainly related to management of livestock.

Keywords

• Jaguar
• Herding
• Human-wildlife conflict
• Panthera onca
• Puma concolor