Wildlife
Puma

91%

recovery

The puma was eradicated from most of the Patagonian steppe in the mid-1900s, but after the rural human population declined, it began to recover. Research by WCS Argentina revealed that in one area, recovered 91% of its distribution within 10 years.

84%

of livestock producers

who adopt non-lethal measures to protect their herds believe that these measures effectively reduce their losses due to predation by wild carnivores such as pumas, and 89% of them have stopped hunting wild carnivores and scavenger birds as a preventive measure or in retaliation.

Credit: Darío Podestá.

The puma is the second largest feline on the continent, after the jaguar, and thanks to its agility and hunting skills, it can adapt to different altitudes and all types of habitats, from the jungle to the steppe. In Argentina, the puma is present in much of the territory and stands out as an apex predator: a carnivorous animal at the top of the food chain that regulates ecosystems. In South America, its main native prey is the guanaco; by hunting it, it controls the size of its populations. On the other hand, the remains of its prey are food for the Andean condor and other scavenger birds.

Challenges

Although this feline plays an indispensable ecological role in the environment, it faces death in retaliation or as a preventive measure because its presence can pose a threat to livestock activities. In areas with low wild prey density, the most common and abundant prey is livestock, mainly sheep and goats, and this leads to retaliation against pumas, such as poisoning or hunting with traps or firearms. 

Our Work

 The frequent or excessive killing of sheep and goats by pumas can be economically devastating for livestock farmers. That is why, since 2005, we have been working with livestock producers, governments, and other organizations to research and develop tools to promote coexistence between livestock and native carnivores. We promote the healthy conservation of the Patagonian steppe and mountain habitat and its native wildlife community to help ensure that pumas do not have to shift their food consumption to livestock. In addition, we help livestock producers protect their herds from predators by incorporating a variety of non-lethal deterrent techniques, such as guard dogs, automatic night lights, and other visual and audible methods. As a result, natural fibers obtained from livestock farms that apply these types of alternative techniques, such as merino wool or mohair, can obtain international Wildlife Friendly® certification endorsed by WCS Argentina, a benefit that has increased their sales value in the textile industry by 15-20%.


WE STAND FOR WILDLIFE