Planning to Save a Species: the Jaguar as a Model

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Zoology

Background:

• Traditional conservation planning often uses broad approaches that may not adequately protect wide-ranging species like the jaguar (Panthera onca).
• Effective conservation for species like the jaguar necessitates explicit planning across their entire geographic range and political boundaries.
• Recognizing the jaguar's diverse ecological roles in different habitats is crucial for successful conservation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive, range-wide conservation planning exercise for the jaguar (Panthera onca).
• To assess the long-term survival prospects of jaguars across their historical and current distribution.
• To prioritize jaguar conservation units for a robust conservation program.

Main Methods:

• Convened field scientists from 18 countries in March 1999 for a jaguar priority-setting and planning exercise.
• Collected data on spatial extent of knowledge, current jaguar range, critical habitats, prey base, and recent sightings.
• Developed a range-wide assessment algorithm to prioritize jaguar conservation units within major habitat types.

Main Results:

• The jaguar's (Panthera onca) known occupied range has contracted to approximately 46% of its estimated 1900 extent.
• Jaguar status remains unknown in 12% of its former range, including significant areas in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil.
• Over 70% of areas currently thought to be occupied by jaguars have a high probability of supporting their long-term survival.

Conclusions:

• A significant contraction of the jaguar's (Panthera onca) range necessitates focused conservation efforts.
• Despite range reduction, substantial areas offer high potential for jaguar long-term survival.
• Fifty-one prioritized jaguar conservation units across 30 geographic regions form the basis for a comprehensive conservation program.