Most large carnivores are secretive and threatened, and these characteristics pose problems for research on, and monitoring of, these species across extensive areas. Participatory monitoring, however, can be a useful tool for obtaining long-term data across large areas. Pumas Puma concolor and jaguars Panthera onca are the largest predators in the threatened Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest. To survey the presence of these two species we established a participatory network of volunteers and a partnership with researchers in the three countries that share the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest (Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay). We trained participants in simple methods of collecting faeces and track imprints of large felids. Between 2002 and 2008 . 100 volunteers helped with monitoring, obtaining 1,633 records identified as pumas or jaguars across c. 92,890 km 2 . We confirmed jaguar presence in a large section of the Misiones Green Corridor in Argentina and in the largest protected areas of Brazil and Paraguay. Pumas exhibited a wider distribution, being recorded throughout Misiones province in Argentina and in some areas of Brazil and Paraguay where jaguars were not detected. Both species, and especially jaguars, were detected mainly in the few remaining medium and large forest fragments in this Forest. Although these carnivores are often in conflict with local people, their charisma and cultural significance makes them flagship species that motivated the participation of volunteers and institutions. Participatory monitoring allowed coverage of a vast area at relatively low cost whilst enhancing collaborative management policies among people and institutions from three countries.
Leopardus cat species identification can be performed using footprints. We performed a discriminant function analysis on a data set of 52 Neotropical Spotted Cats (NSC) individuals from a Brazilian wildlife reserve. We isolated five morphometrics that wildlife biologists can use to identify the author of a track or footprint, i.e. total length, heel pad width, negative space (Lead toe to the front lobe of heel pad length), outer toe area and heel pad area. Our technique properly classified 94.2% of the individuals into the correct species, and 86.5% of cross-validated groups were correctly identified. By relying on measurable variables rather than the observer's ability to identify a species from a footprint, this technique will increase correct identification during track surveys, which will in turn help increase the accuracy of population inventories.
reliable observers was examined by experts and was consistent with a Cougar footprint. Additional data are required to determine the status of Cougars in the northeastern part of its historical range.
Four Xenarthra species appear on the list of mammals whose presence has been documented in the Iguaçu National Park (INP). We conducted the first long-term camera trap monitoring in the Iguaçu region, encompassing the park and its buffer zone. We confirmed the presence of the four Xenarthra species known to occur in the park, with the first photographic records of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). We also detected the presence of the greater naked-tailed armadillo (Cabassous tatouay), which had not previously been reported for the park. Giant anteater sightings are described, and habits are discussed. Our data provide important additions to the existing knowledge on giant anteaters inhabiting INP, a key wildlife refuge in southern Brazil.
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