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Jaguar conservation in Venezuela against the backdrop of current knowledge on its biology and evolution

Abstract:

Current knowledge is reviewed on the jaguar Panthera onca evolution, morphological, genetic and ecological variation, as a background for understanding conservation problems. Based on published sources and own data, the current situation of the jaguar in Venezuela is analyzed. Body size of today's jaguars is highly variable; the largest are found in the Brazilian Pantanal and Venezuelan Llanos (mean male body mass >100kg). The smallest jaguars live in Central America (∼56kg). Skin coloration pattern is highly variable and may have a geographic correlation. The morphological variation correlates with its genetic variability, which in turn may reflect diversity of adaptations to different habitats and prey communities. Its diet is extremely diversified. The territorial size and density of jaguars varies amongst localities, probably reflecting variation in prey density and degree of human disturbance. Adaptation to kill large prey makes it a notorious livestock predator. Conflicts caused by jaguar predation on cattle are the main reason for killing them, although they are also hunted for skins, despite legal protection. Another threat is deforestation. Jaguar population in Venezuela has decreased substantially during the last 30-40 years, and is currently variable: in northern Venezuela isolated and declining small populations survive; south of the Orinoco, a vast population exists; in Los Llanos it was nearly eliminated ∼40 years ago, but seems to have returned and re-colonized former territories. The most important measure for conservation of jaguars in Venezuela is to create more protected areas, to develop ecological corridors to protect connectivity and halt deforestation of critical regions. Hunting and killing could decrease through educational programs, involving local communities, compensations for losses from jaguar predation and incentivizing ecotourism.