Abundancia del jaguar (Panthera onca), otros felinos y sus presas potenciales en el Parque Nacional Santa Rosa, Costa Rica

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.