For ranchers in Costa Rica, jaguars and pumas become unexpected allies
A collaborative project in Costa Rica has reduced livestock predation by jaguars and pumas, improved ranch productivity, and shifted ranchers' perceptions towards conservation, inspiring similar initiatives in Latin America.
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For ranchers in Costa Rica, a collaborative project initiated in 2013 between conservation authorities and the NGO Panthera has transformed the relationship between livestock owners and large wildcats like jaguars and pumas. The initiative, known as the Unit for the Attention for Conflicts with Felines (UACFel), has introduced measures such as electric fences and predator deterrence devices, significantly reducing livestock predation and improving ranch productivity. With over 400 farms participating, the project has documented 507 predation incidents, helping to identify hotspots and design targeted interventions. Ranchers, once hostile towards conservation efforts, have begun to see the benefits of coexistence, with some, like Wagner Durán, becoming advocates for jaguar protection. The project has also fostered partnerships with ranching organizations, enhancing trust and collaboration. Innovative strategies, including the use of water buffaloes and antipredation technology, have further minimized conflicts. The success of UACFel has led to its replication in other Latin American countries, showcasing a model for balancing wildlife conservation with agricultural productivity.
- The UACFel project has reduced livestock predation by jaguars and pumas through innovative deterrence measures.
- Over 400 farms have participated, leading to improved ranch productivity and reduced economic losses.
- Ranchers' perceptions of big cats have shifted from adversarial to supportive, with some becoming advocates for conservation.
- The project has been successful enough to inspire similar initiatives in other Latin American countries.
- Data collection and targeted interventions have been key to the project's effectiveness in mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
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3 commentsBut nothing in the article supports that view. What has changed are cattle ranching practices that reduce the opportunity of attack. Everything that the article talks about is "How did cattle ranchers adapt to an ever present threat of pumas and jaguars without killing them (for reasons that are not well discussed beyond a reference to a government mandate)" rather then "We're best buds now!" or even "We have found utility in the jaguar and puma population that benefits us".
It seems the adapted practices are beneficial on their own, but it sounds like they would be beneficial without jaguars and pumas.
The main intervention is installing electric fences to prevent the wildcats from entering the pastures. This measure has been implemented at around 160 ranches,
including that of José Luis Rodríguez, two hours outside the Costa Rican capital.
ACFel has collaborated closely with farmers to install electric fences and water troughs, which allow for more divisions and intensive rotation of cattle.
This approach, according to experts, improves the pasture’s health and keeps the herd in more compact groups, removing the need to find water in forest areas
where the big cats can attack.
The project also promotes the adoption of water buffalos (Bubalus bubalis), a species that has evolved a defensive instinct against predators.
These buffalos protect the convention cattle and have other attractive qualities: they’re hardier, meaning they’re more resistant to heat,
need less veterinary attention, and graze on weeds that other cattle won’t touch.Related
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