Jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) coexist throughout the Neotropics. Using camera trapping in four Brazilian biomes, we compare the daily activity patterns of the jaguar and puma, and their relationships with their main prey species. We used a kernel density method to quantify daily activity patterns and to investigate overlap between these predators and their main prey. Both cats showed intensive nocturnal and crepuscular activity (0.69 and 0.14 kernel density, respectively, for jaguars; 0.68 and 0.19 kernel density, respectively, for pumas). Only in the Pantanal did we observe a pattern of concentrated diurnal activity for both species. We found little temporal segregation between jaguars and pumas, as they showed similar activity patterns with high coefficients of overlapping (average ∆1 = 0.86; SE = 0.15). We also observed a significant overlap between the activity patterns of the predators and their main prey species, suggesting that both predators adjust their activity to reduce their foraging energy expenditure. Our findings suggest that temporal partitioning is probably not a generalized mechanism of coexistence between jaguars and pumas; instead, the partitioning of habitat/space use and food resources may play a larger role in mediating top predator coexistence. Knowledge about these behavior aspects is crucial to elucidating the factors that enable coexistence of jaguars and pumas. Furthermore, an understanding of their respective activity periods is relevant to management and associated research efforts.

The nature reserve Serra da Malcata, Portugal, was recently considered a site for Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) reintroduction. Because of potential disease risk posed by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the area, a reliable estimate of fox abundance was critical for a dependable reintroduction program. We adapted camera‐trapping techniques for estimating red fox abundance in the reserve. From July 2005 to August 2007, we conducted 7 camera‐trapping sessions, allowing for individual identification of foxes by physical characteristics. We estimated abundance using the heterogeneity (Mh) model of the software program CAPTURE. Estimated density ranged from 0.91 ± 0.12 foxes/km2to 0.74 ± 0.02 foxes/km2. By estimating red fox density, it is possible to define the number of foxes that must be sampled to assess the presence of potential fox‐transmitted diseases that may affect lynx reintroduction.

We used remotely triggered cameras to collect data on Puma (Puma concolor) abundance and occupancy in an area of tropical forest in Brazil where the species' status is poorly known. To evaluate factors influencing puma occupancy we used data from 5 sampling campaigns in 3 consecutive years (2005 to 2007) and 2 seasons (wet and dry), at a state park and a private forest reserve. We estimated puma numbers and density for the 2007 sampling data by developing a standardized individual identification method. We based individual identification on 1) time‐stable parameters (SP; physical features that do not change over time), and 2) time‐variable parameters (VP; marks that could change over time such as scars and botfly marks). Following individual identification we established a capture‐recapture history and analyzed it using closed population capture‐mark‐recapture models. Puma capture probability was influenced by camera placement (roads vs. trails), sampling year, and prey richness. Puma occupancy was positively associated with species richness and there was a correlation between relative puma and jaguar (Panthera onca) abundance. Identifications enabled us to generate 8 VP histories for each photographed flank, corresponding to 8 individuals. We estimated the sampled population at 9 pumas (SE = 1.03, 95% CI = 8–10 individuals) translating to a density of 3.40 pumas/100 km2. Information collected using camera‐traps can effectively be used to assess puma population size in tropical forests. As habitat progressively disappears and South American felines become more vulnerable, our results support the critical importance of private forest reserves for conservation.

Acta Th eriologica 41 (4): 4 0 9 -4 1 4 ,1 9 9 6 . PL ISSN 000 1 -7 0 5 1 Feeding ecology of the European wildcat Felis silvestris in PortugalPedro SARMENTO Sarmento P. 1996. Feeding ecology of the European wildcat Felis silvestris in Portugal. Acta Theriologica 41: 409-414.The feeding ecology of the European wildcat Felis silvestris Schreber, 1777 was studied by analysing 220 scats collected between January and December 1994 at Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve (Portugal). Feeding trials, carried out with a captive male and female, allowed the author to relate the dry excreted weight of prey items in the scats with the fresh biomass ingested. Rodents, particularly Apodemus silvaticus and Microtus lusitanicus, were the dominant component of the diet. Lagomorphs, mostly rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, were the second most heavily consumed item in terms o f consumed biomass, being more preyed upon, in spring and summer. Although insectivores were regularly consumed throughout the year, this group only represented a small fraction of the total consumed biomass. Reptiles, especially species of Lacertidae, were the third most favoured quarry, with higher predator pressure in spring and summer. Bird remains were found at low levels throughout the year. Insects and plants were unimportant items in the diet. The wildcats feeding spectrum showed little variation throughout the year.Reserva Natural da Serra da Malcata, Rua dos Bombeiros Voluntarios s/n, 6090 Penamacor, Portugal; Fax: 077 94580

Camera trapping has been widely used to study different aspects of animal ecology, increasing scientific knowledge and helping in conservation initiatives. Recently, some studies demonstrated the use of this technique to study temporal predator-prey interactions, most of which focused on large felids. In this study, we investigate the activity patterns of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)-a medium-sized neotropical cat -and its known potential prey in the Brazilian Pantanal using photographs taken by camera traps. We tested for seasonal differences in activity patterns, and assessed the patterns of temporal overlap between this felid and three known potential prey: the Brazilian rabbit (Sylvilagus brasiliensis), Azara's agouti (Dasyprocta azarae), and Paraguayan punaré (Thrichomys pachyurus). We estimated activity patterns using kernel density and measured the overlap between estimated paired distributions using a coefficient of overlap, hypothesizing that activity patterns would change between the rainy and dry season, and that overlap would be higher with rodents since they comprise the bulk of the ocelot's diet in the Pantanal and elsewhere. Azara's agouti and the Paraguayan punaré were the only species that presented significant changes in their activity patterns between seasons. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was low coincidence of activity patterns between ocelots and Azara's agouti for both seasons, but temporal overlap between ocelots and Paraguayan punarés was high with no significant difference, at least in the dry season. Overall, temporal overlap between ocelots and Brazilian rabbits was high, with no significant differences. In general, our results suggest that ocelots may tailor their activity to that of some of their potential prey to increase the probability of encounters. The results provide the first insight into temporal interactions involving ocelots and their potential prey in the Brazilian Pantanal.

Using camera-trapping techniques, the present study, conducted from 2005 to 2007, provides common genet abundance estimates in Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve (central-eastern Portugal). We estimated genet abundance using the software CAPTURE. It was possible to obtain a capture success of 1.49 captures/100 trap-nights. Considering the heterogeneity model (M h ), which presents higher biological significance, the estimated density varied between 0.50 (95% CI = 0.43-0.56 genets/km 2 ) to 0.92 (95% CI = 0.87-0.97 genets/km 2 ) genets/km 2 with an average density value of 0.70 genets/km 2 (95% CI = 0.58-0.82 genets/km 2 ). These estimates emphasized this technique as a reliable method for assessing average genet density over large spatial scales and for monitoring future changes in genet numbers. In terms of habitat selection, genets selected Quercus rotundifolia and Arbutus unedo woodlands and avoided Erica spp. and Cistus ladanifer scrubland and Eucalyptus stands. Considering the landscape heterogeneity outside the reserve, our study emphasizes the importance of the protected area for small carnivore conservation.

No abstract

A survey of the Iberian lynx was conducted in Portugal between January 2002 and November 2003 in order to define lynx status and distribution baselines. Intensive search for lynx scats, scat DNA analysis, and camera trapping were used in areas of potential lynx presence. Over 4,200 km were investigated during a global searching effort of 1,975 man-hours. DNA obtained from 168 scats was analyzed, producing no positive lynx amplifications. Camera trapping represented a total effort of 5,647 camera-days in three potential lynx areas, producing no positive detections. Although results cannot confirm the species' extinction, the scenario is rather pessimistic and the Iberian lynx is probably no longer present in Portugal. Presently, considering the Portuguese lynx's historical range, the only significantly suitable areas for the species are located in the southeastern part of the country bordering Andalusia where no recent evidence of lynx presence was recorded.