Livestock Predation by Puma ( Puma concolor ) in the Highlands of a Southeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

We evaluated local opinion about reducing livestocklosses to puma( Pumaconcolor) and the potential for conflict among livestockbreeders inside a protected area in the highlands of a southeastern Brazilian Atlantic forest. We also quantified the number and type of livestocklosses, and determined if predationby pumawas correlated with property profile and landscape characteristics. We conducted semistructured interviews with 42 livestockbreeders sampled in 36 rural properties. When asked how to reduce predation, 33 % of livestockbreeders refused to answer, 26 % suggested improving livestockhusbandry practices, 19 % stated that there was no appropriate action, 17 % favored removing the “problem” individual, and 5 % suggested killing the puma. Opinion on how to solve predationwas independent of herd size and history of losses, and was correlated with respondent age class. Older respondents tended to suggest removing or killing pumas. Attitudes toward predationrepresented high potential for conflict among livestockbreeders who demonstrated high discordance among responses. Horses were the most common prey (51 %), followed by cattle (28 %), sheep (17 %), and goats (4 %); totaling 47 animals attacked between 2004 and 2007. Annual predationwas approximately 12 ± 5 animals, equivalent to 0.4 % of the total livestock. Property elevation and distance from the urban center were the main predictors of predationprobability. This survey used a novel approach that has not been addressed directly in other studies on livestock predationand demonstrated that the high potential for conflict among livestockbreeders should be considered before implementing management actions.