Occupancy of Jaguars and Cougars Relative to Prey and Livestock in Sonora, Mexico

The northernmost population of jaguars in Sonora, Mexico, is a potential source of dispersers into the southwestern United States, but little is known about demographics of this population or interactions between jaguars and other species. We are studying jaguar and cougar presence relative to habitat, prey, and livestock operations in Sonora. We are employing 120 remote cameras and field surveys to gather necessary data, and using program PRESENCE to estimate occupancy and detection probabilities. An ultimate goal of this project is to increase local tolerance of jaguars and cougars by local landowners, particularly livestock ranchers.

BS Wildlife Ecology, Oregon State University