Causes of mortality in a Geoffroy’s cat population—a long-term survey using diverse recording methods

Abstract

We present quantitative data on the impact of different causes of mortality in a Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) population inhabiting a protected area and adjacent cattle ranches in central Argentina. Between December 2000 and January 2009, we used three methods to collect data on causes of mortality in both the park and the ranches: (1) information obtained from 35 radiocollared Geoffroy's cats monitored from 1 to 19 months;(2) a systematic survey of the areas to find non-collared dead animals; and (3) interviews of qualified informants. Deaths of radio-collared individuals in the park were due to predation by puma (Puma concolor) or starvation, whereas deaths in the ranches were attributed to starvation and predation by domestic dogs. The death of eight emigrant cats was attributed mainly to poaching. Cause of death of 39 non-collared Geoffroy's cats was determined; deaths in the ranches were mainly due to predation by domestic dogs and poaching, whereas deaths in the park were attributed to predation by puma, poaching, and vehicle collision.Grouping all sources of information, human-related mortality accounted for most (62%) of Geoffroy's cat deaths recorded during this study, with poaching and predation by dogs being the main causes of mortality. This study in Geoffroy's cats is the first long-term survey of causes of mortality for a population of a small felid species in South America.

Effects of livestock on the feeding and spatial ecology of Geoffroy’s cat

“…Third, the use of less structurally-complex habitats such as grasslands may be favored in ranches because of the lower abundance of pumas in those areas (J. A. Pereira, unpublished data), a Geoffroy's cat predator in the region (Pereira et al, 2010). These three factors would allow Geoffroy's cats to acquire the necessary resources through a change in habitat use, exploiting more open sites where structural configuration and level of potential risk are altered due to livestock management.…”

“…Other small felids such as the leopard cat also survive in seemingly less suitable habitat by modifying their spatial ecology (Nakanishi et al, 2005). Thus, conservation of Geoffroy's cats in ranches would mostly require reducing poaching and predation by dogs, the most common causes of mortality of this felid in the area (Pereira et al, 2010), instead of other alternatives such as habitat management (i.e., restoration). Lessons about behavior and ecological plasticity of small felids are relevant due to the increasing number of landscapes worldwide where these predators must coexist with human activities.…”

“…A. Pereira, unpublished data). Ranchers usually hunt Geoffroy's cats (Pereira et al, 2010). In the national park, livestock is absent and hunting is not permitted.…”

Habitat-specific demography and conservation of Geoffroy's cats in a human-dominated landscape

“…Annual cause-specific mortality rates were estimated using the Mayfield estimator (Heisey and Fuller 1985), considering 3 mortality categories (Pereira et al 2010): natural (including starvation and predation by puma), human-related (including poaching, vehicle collision, and predation by domestic dogs), and unknown causes. The year was divided into 2 intervals (austral fall-winter [April-September] and spring-summer [October-March]) based on differences in climate and prey availability.…”

Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) predation by puma (Puma concolor) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

“…Oliveira & Pereira (2014) is an important interaction for structuring carnivoran communities. Apex predators such as puma and jaguars Panthera onca (Linnaeus, 1758), may have an important impact over mesocarnivore populations, since they consume some of them over time (Crawshaw & Quigley 2002, Vidolin 2004, Pereira et al 2010. Thus, information about these interactions is important as supporting evidence.…”