Ecology and status of the jaguarundi Puma yagouaroundi: a synthesis of existing knowledge

Abstract

The ecology of the jaguarundi is poorly known, so I reviewed the literature for all original data and remarks on jaguarundi observations, ecology, and behaviour, to synthesize what is known about the species. Jaguarundis occupy and use a range of habitats with dense undergrowth from northern Mexico to central Argentina, but may be most abundant in seasonal dry, Atlantic, gallery, and mixed grassland/agricultural forest landscapes. Jaguarundis are principally predators of small (sigmodontine) rodents, although other mammals, birds, and squamate reptiles are taken regularly. The vast majority of jaguarundi camera‐trap records occurred during daylight hours (0600 h–1800 h); jaguaurndis are also predominantly terrestrial, although they appear to be capable tree climbers. Home range sizes for jaguarundis vary greatly, but most are ≤25 km2; females' territories may be much smaller than or similar in size to those of males. Males may concentrate movements in one area before shifting to another and, as with other felids, intersexual overlap in habitat use appears to be common. Interference competition may be important in influencing the distribution and ecology of jaguarundis, although their diurnal habits may somewhat mitigate its effect. Conflict between humans and jaguarundis over small livestock may be widespread among rural human communities and is likely to be underreported. Despite this conflict, jaguarundis can persist in agriculturally modified landscapes and small forest fragments. Additional research on local jaguarundi populations from more areas should be a priority to determine the true status of the species.

Mammalian Diversity and Matses Ethnomammalogy in Amazonian Peru Part 2: Xenarthra, Carnivora, Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla, and Sirenia

“…Remarks: Most Matses observations about jaguarundis agree with the literature reviewed by Oliveira (1998a) and Giordano (2016), especially with respect to diurnal activity and terrestrial habits (the latter is implied rather than stated directly in Matses interviews). Their observation that "jaguarundis do not travel in large groups" contrasts with unambiguous statements that other felids are solitary (see Matses accounts for ocelots, margays, jaguars, and pumas; above) and is probably explained by the fact that these small cats are sometimes observed travelling in pairs (Giordano, 2016).…”

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

“…Yet, most of the jaguarundi ecology is poorly known (Giordano 2016), and few information is available about species that may act as its predator. Oliveira & Pereira (2014) is an important interaction for structuring carnivoran communities.…”

“…In Brazil, where the species is most widely distributed, it was included in the latest version of the national red list, and now is considered 'vulnerable' to extinction (Portaria 444 2014). Besides to the puma, Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771), the jaguarundi is the second most widespread felid of the Americas (Giordano 2016), and probably occurs at low densities (Caso 2013, Caso et al 2015. It is most diurnal (Caso 2013, Giordano 2016, and can inhabit from more pristine areas -from pine-oak forests to more tropical humid ones -to highly modified landscapes (Giordano 2016, Magioli et al 2016.…”

“…As a generalist mesocarnivore (Oliveira & Cassaro 1996), the jaguarundi consumes basically small vertebrates such as mammals (rodents and marsupials), its main prey, and significative percentages of birds, reptiles and arthropods (Bianchi et al 2011, Silva-Pereira et al 2011, Giordano 2016). Yet, most of the jaguarundi ecology is poorly known (Giordano 2016), and few information is available about species that may act as its predator.…”

Margay also hide their spots: first records of melanistic Leopardus wiedii from Colombia and Costa Rica

“…However, the melanistic condition can be an adaptive advantage for this species but not necessarily for another, because ecological circumstances differ between both species. Margays are active nocturnally, use predominantly old secondary growth forests, and show more arboreal habits, preying mostly on arboreal species, in contrast to jaguarundi which is primarily diurnal and terrestrial (de Oliveira, 1998;Giordano, 2016).…”