Long-term spatial dynamics of jaguars in a high-density population

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Wildlife Conservation
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Understanding jaguar (Panthera onca) socio-spatial dynamics is crucial for conservation.
• Previous research suggests territoriality in large carnivores, but empirical data on jaguar range use and male-male/male-female interactions are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the socio-spatial dynamics of a jaguar population in Belize over 15 years.
• To quantify range shifts, overlap, and interactions among male jaguars and between sexes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized camera-trap data from Belize spanning 15 years.
• Analyzed ~4,000 independent detections of male jaguars and ~700 of females.
• Quantified range shifts, overlap using kernel overlap, and proximity of activity centers.

Main Results:

• Male jaguar ranges were dynamic, with activity centers shifting annually (mean max distance 8 km).
• Extensive range overlap was observed among males, with no evidence of exclusive territoriality.
• Close encounters between males were more frequent when activity centers were closer; older males avoided prime males and had fewer encounters with females.

Conclusions:

• Jaguar mating system appears to be scramble competition, driven by the sparse distribution of receptive females.
• Male range shifts and overlap facilitate searching for females.
• Age-related avoidance of competitors may influence mating access for older males.