Movements and Home Range of Jaguars (Panthera onca) and Mountain Lions (Puma concolor) in a Tropical Dry Forest of Western Mexico

Abstract

This survey was carried between years 2000 and 2003 in the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve in western Mexico. The objective of this study was to determine how two species of Neotropical carnivores move and use the landscape. Six jaguars and three pumas were fitted with VHF radio collars. The home range of the felines was determined by the minimum convex polygon at 95% and the core area at 50%. The movements were defined as the distance traveled daily. On average, male jaguars (n = 2) maintained an annual home range of 100.3 ± 15.0 km2, the male puma (n = 3) home range averaged 83 ± 10.3 km2, and the jaguar females (n = 4) of 42.5 ± 16 km2. Home ranges were divided in two ways, the dry season and the rainy season. Concerning movement patterns, the male puma moved an average of 2137 ± 1402 m per day in the dry season and 2898 ± 1688 in the rainy season. Male jaguars traveled on average 2673 ± 1606 m daily in the dry season and 2766 ± 1973 m in the rainy season. Female jaguars moved in a period of 24 h an average of 2063 ± 1402 m in dry and 1959 ± 1895 m in the rainy season. Jaguars and pumas showed preference for streams to travel throughout the study area. Seasonality has an effect on home range size of felines. The results highlight the importance of including spatial requirements and movements in the design of protected natural areas. As key and indicator species, it is essential to identify how much space they require and how they use it.