Diet of puma (Puma concolor) in sheep ranches of central Patagonia (Argentina)

Abstract

Sheep depredation by puma (Puma concolor) is a socio-environmental problem that has intensified in recent decades in Patagonia. A bounty system to control this carnivore is implemented in Chubut province (central Patagonia), whereas alternative measures to mitigate the conflict are still in progress. A common recommendation to limit livestock depredation by large carnivores is to maintain suitable levels of wild prey populations. To evaluate the applicability of this recommendation, we examined the puma diet in ranches of the northeastern of Chubut. We analyzed the stomach and intestinal contents of 21 pumas hunted under provincial legislation. The guanaco (Lama guanicoe) represented around 75% of the total biomass consumed. Sheep was the second prey in relevance, but their contribution to the diet was four times lower than the guanaco. Our results emphasize the role of this large native ungulate as main prey and its potential relevance as a buffer against predation on sheep. This study provides information that could be useful for preventive management of livestock predation in Patagonia.