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Crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) are very similar in body size and food habits, with distributional ranges that overlap extensively in South America. We used camera-trap records of both species obtained at the Iberá Nature Reserve (INR), northeastern Argentina, to test the hypothesis that, when living in sympatry, they reduce competition by using different habitats and by being active at different times. Camera-trap records obtained at 2 additional sites inhabited by only 1 of these species, the Atlantic Forest of Misiones (AF) and Lihué Calel National Park (LCNP), were used to determine the activity patterns of these foxes when living alone. At INR, we set 41 camera-trap stations in 2 habitats (shrubland forest and flooded grassland), and in 2 treatments per habitat (with or without cattle). Three stations also were set in gallery forests. We obtained 540 photographs of crab-eating foxes (289 records) and 175 photographs of pampas foxes (115 records) in 1,521 camera-trap days. At LCNP, 27 camera-trap stations (1,002 camera-trap days) provided 109 records of pampas foxes. At AF, 195 camera-trap stations (11,689 camera-trap days) provided 103 records of crab-eating foxes. At INR, crab-eating foxes were more frequently recorded in forest habitats, whereas pampas foxes preferred opened grasslands. However, both species were found in all habitats and their recording rates were not negatively correlated. At INR, crab-eating foxes were nocturnal, with peaks of activity after dusk and before dawn, a pattern similar to that observed at AF and elsewhere. At INR, pampas foxes showed a peak of activity between 0000 and 0400 h and another between 1000 and 1300 h, a pattern that differed from that observed at LCNP and other places, where the species is mostly nocturnal. At INR, pampas foxes reduced their activity at times when activity of presumably dominant crab-eating foxes was high, which may facilitate their coexistence.

A g u s t Í n P a v i o l o , C a r l o s D a n i e l D e A n g e l o , Y a m i l E d g a r d o D i B l a n c o and M a r i o S a n t i a g o D i B i t e t t i Abstract The Green Corridor of Argentina and Brazil is the largest forest remnant of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest. The jaguar population of this region is highly fragmented and reduced. To assess the status of the subpopulation of jaguars of the Green Corridor we conducted four camera-trap surveys in three sites with different levels of protection. At Urugua-í (34 stations, 1,495 trap-days) we recorded one individual (minimum density 5 0.12-0.33 per 100 km 2). At Yabotí Biosphere Reserve (42 stations, 1,871 trap-days) we recorded two individuals (minimum density 5 0.11-0.25 per 100 km 2). At Iguazú National Park we conducted two surveys. In 2004 (39 stations, 1,839 trap-days) we recorded four adult individuals, estimating a density of between 0.49-0.16 and 1.07-0.33 per 100 km 2. In 2006, we increased the area sampled (47 stations, 2,059 trap-days) and recorded 11 adult individuals, estimating a density of 0.93-0.2 to 1.74-0.34 per 100 km 2. These density estimates are the lowest recorded for the species. Estimates for Iguazú are between 2-7.5 times lower than those reported in the early 1990s. This population decline probably results from the interaction of several factors, including lack of prey as a result of poaching and persecution. We estimate that there is currently a population of 25-53 adult jaguars in the Green Corridor. In spite of having sufficient potential habitat available this population is threatened and urgent conservation action is required.

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Abstract:As top predators, wild cats play a key ecological role in tropical forests, but little is known about the factors that regulate their abundance. This study looked for correlates of ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) abundance at two spatial scales. First, camera-trap surveys conducted in the Atlantic Forest of Misiones, Argentina, were used to test the hypothesis that selective logging and poaching affect the local abundance of this cat. Second, published density estimates (N = 21) were used to test the hypothesis that rainfall and latitude are correlated with the abundance of ocelots across their continental range. In Misiones, ocelot densities ranged from 4.96 ± 1.33 individuals per 100 km2in the intensely logged and hunted areas to 17.6 ± 2.25 individuals per 100 km2in areas with low human impact. The frequency of records, number of individuals recorded per station, and density estimates were 2–3 times higher in areas with relatively low levels of logging and poaching. At a continental scale, ocelot densities decrease with latitude and increase with rainfall. Primary productivity seems to determine the abundance of wild cats across their range, but at a local scale their abundance may be affected by logging and poaching or by competition with other species.

The 'Compassionate Conservation' movement is gaining momentum through its promotion of 'ethical' conservation practices based on self-proclaimed principles of 'first-dono-harm' and 'individuals matter'. We argue that the tenets of 'Compassionate Conservation' are ideological-that is, they are not scientifically proven to improve conservation outcomes, yet are critical of the current methods that do. In this paper we envision a future with 'Compassionate Conservation' and predict how this might affect global biodiversity conservation. Taken literally, 'Compassionate Conservation' will deny current conservation practices such as captive breeding, introduced species control, biocontrol, conservation fencing, translocation, contraception, disease control and genetic introgression. Five mainstream conservation practices are used to illustrate the far-reaching and dire consequences for global biodiversity if governed by 'Compassionate Conservation'. We acknowledge the important role of animal welfare science in conservation practices but argue that 'Compassionate Conservation' aligns more closely with animal liberation principles protecting individuals over populations. Ultimately we fear that a world of 'Compassionate Conservation' could stymie the global conservation efforts required to meet international biodiversity targets derived from evidenced based practice, such as the Aichi targets developed by the Convention on Biological Diversity and adopted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the United Nations.