Abstract:
ABSTRACT: Abundance of jaguars (Panthera onca), other felids and
their potential prey in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica. Santa Rosa
National Park, Guanacaste Province, protects one of the largest rem-
nants of dry forest in Mesoamerica. It is considered an example of how
to regenerate forest in an area that for many years was used for cattle. A
proper management requires knowledge of trends in mammal popula-
tions. We chose species that demand high ecologic integrity. the jaguar
(Panthera onca ) and other felines, and their potential prey. Using trace
count we assessed abundance on seven trails systematically sampled
in 2001 and later in 2011. In 2011 we found more traces of jaguars, less
of cougars and the same number for ocelots. In the second sampling
we found less herbivores and frugivores, and more omnivores. We be-
lieve that the trace method is reliable, rapid and cheap.
