Human–Puma Conflict in the Dry Chaco: Species’ Occupancy and Ranchers’ Perception Before and After the Creation of a Protected Area

Abstract

Although the creation of protected areas helps to protect biodiversity, it does not necessarily contribute to the reduction in some conflicts, such as livestock predation by large carnivores. We evaluated the presence of puma (Puma concolor) in a large ranch converted into a National Park and in surrounding rancher areas in the Dry Chaco of Argentina. Two years after livestock removal from the protected area, puma occupancy was associated with wild prey richness, which was greater in the park than in the neighboring ranches, and was negatively related to livestock presence. We also evaluated ranchers’ perceptions of puma presence and their tolerance to livestock predation. Ranchers showed a negative perception of puma presence and a low tolerance to livestock predation. Therefore, this study suggests that, while the creation of a protected area can improve both predator and prey densities, successful mitigation of human–predator conflict requires further strategies and interventions, like economic compensation and environmental education programs.