Wildfires disproportionately affected jaguars in the Pantanal

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• The Pantanal wetland supports the world's second-largest jaguar population.
• Climate and land-use changes, exacerbated by recent mega-fires, threaten jaguar survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent and intensity of fires affecting jaguar conservation in the Pantanal over 16 years.
• To understand the impacts of the 2020 mega-fires on jaguars and their habitats.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of fire data over a 16-year period.
• Assessment of fire impact on jaguar population, home ranges, and protected areas.

Main Results:

• The 2020 fires were the most severe, burning 31% of the Pantanal.
• Fires affected 45% of the jaguar population, 79% of home ranges, and 54% of protected areas.
• Core habitats were destroyed, leading to jaguar injuries and potential long-term impacts on abundance and ecological stability.

Conclusions:

• Mega-fires pose a significant threat to jaguar conservation in the Pantanal.
• Combating anthropogenic causes of drought is crucial for preventing future mega-fires.
• Recommendations include protecting springs, expanding protected areas, regulating fire use, and establishing fire brigades.