Factors influencing ocelot occupancy in Brazilian Atlantic Forest reserves

Over 80% of Atlantic Forest remnants are <50 ha and protected areasare embedded in a matrix dominated by human activities, undermining the long-term persistence of carnivores. The ocelot ( Leoparduspardalis) is an opportunistic species, but little is known about its tolerance to habitat alterations and the influence of other species on its occupancy in Atlantic Forest remnants. We used camera trapsto assess ocelot occupancy in protected areasof Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. We found a positive correlation between the occupancy of ocelots and top predators ( jaguars, Panthera onca, and pumas, Pumaconcolor), and a weaker negative effect between the number of domestic dogs ( Canisfamiliaris) detected and ocelot occupancy. Ocelot detection was higher at sites with more eucalyptus, suggesting that ocelots frequently use these areas. Better- protected areassurrounded by permeable matrices may be critical to the persistence of ocelots in the fragmented Atlantic Forest.