Monitoring jaguar populations Panthera onca with non-invasive genetics: a pilot study in Brazilian ecosystems

摘要: The global population of jaguars Panthera onca has decreased significantly since the beginning 20th century. Given scarcity demographic and biological information, estimating parameters is critical for design conservation measures. jaguar's elusive behaviour makes it impossible to estimate monitor populations by direct observation. We propose a non-invasive genetic sampling approach demonstrate its potential large-scale monitoring. Sex identification was optimized faecal samples other felids. also set 11 microsatellite markers reliable individuals. estimated effectiveness sample genotyping in two distinct Brazilian biomes: Pantanal semi-arid Caatinga. Almost 90% that were molecularly identified as jaguar (n = 90) successfully genotyped assigned 30 Genetic diversity generally high but lower Caatinga population. show can be tool study status different habitats. It may useful future surveys address ecological, behavioural issues, could provide baseline studies wild felid populations.