Space use patterns of two large carnivores: Puma (Puma concolor) and Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in tropical agroecosystems

Abstract

Abstract Mammalian carnivores are often vulnerable to the conversion of natural habitat. Although some species might be frequent in anthropogenic areas, it is not entirely clear how they use modified landscapes, particularly in tropical agroecosystems. Here, we investigated how Puma (Puma concolor) and Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) used three disturbed areas in southeastern Brazil. We sampled 205 camera stations and estimated species occupancy (Ψ) and detection probabilities (p), interpreted as probability of use and frequency of use, respectively. Our models predicted that both species extensively used the study areas (model-averaged probability of use of 0.65 for pumas and 0.50 for maned wolves). Puma frequency of use was higher in stations further from human structures and areas of savanna. Maned Wolf frequency of use was lower in forest-dominated stations and in a more protected and forested study area. Puma probability of use was high in stations closer to watercourses, while Maned Wolf probability of use was higher in unpaved roads and stations farther from human structures. Our findings suggest that pumas and maned wolves may be able to adapt their use of space in agroecosystems featuring riparian corridors and unpaved roads. Nevertheless, our data also reveal possible impacts to carnivore populations in these systems, such as the degradation of riparian environments, road mortality, and human construction avoidance. Thus, some caution is warranted in considering highly modified environments as safe habitats for large carnivores, until further data on the density and vital rates of these species in agricultural-dominated areas have been quantified.