El jaguar (Panthera onca, Felidae, Mammalia) en Bolivia: Análisis de información 2010-2024
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Ecología en Bolivia
Abstract
El jaguar (Panthera onca) es una especie icónica en Bolivia por su relevancia ecológica y cultural. La comprensión de su ecología, las dinámicas poblacionales y las amenazas que enfrenta constituye un elemento clave para el diseño de estrategias efectivas de conservación a largo plazo. Con este propósito se revisaron 61 publicaciones producidas entre 2010 y 2024, incluyendo 28 estudios regionales o continentales con información relevante para Bolivia. La mayor parte de las investigaciones realizadas en el periodo temporal de análisis se ha concentrado en el bosque seco chiquitano (18% de las publicaciones), el Chaco (18%) y la Amazonia suroccidental (18%), mientras que ecorregiones como el Cerrado y los bosques secos montanos no tuvieron publicaciones. Los estudios sobre dieta muestran variaciones ligadas a la disponibilidad local y a los niveles de perturbación humana, mientras que las estimaciones de densidad muestran un gradiente decreciente desde la Amazonia hacia ambientes más secos. La pérdida y fragmentación del hábitat, la deforestación, los incendios y el tráfico ilegal de partes de jaguar constituyen las amenazas principales, exacerbadas por conflictos con la ganadería y percepciones negativas locales, que se intensifican en áreas con alta expansión agropecuaria y débil control institucional. Entre las publicaciones analizadas, los estudios relacionados con estas amenazas fueron los más prevalentes (40%). Pese a conservar el 86 % de su rango histórico, la especie enfrenta presiones crecientes, lo que subraya la necesidad de fortalecer estrategias de conservación, mantener la conectividad ecológica y promover la cooperación internacional.
The jaguar (Panthera onca) is an iconic species in Bolivia due to its ecological and cultural significance. Understanding its ecology, population dynamics, and the threats it faces is key to designing effective long-term conservation strategies. To this end, 61 publications produced between 2010 and 2024 were reviewed, including 28 regional or continental studies with information relevant to Bolivia. Most of the research conducted during the period analyzed focused on the Chiquitano dry forest (18% of publications), the Chaco (18%), and the southwestern Amazon (18%), while ecoregions such as the Cerrado and dry montane forests had no publications. Studies on diet show variations linked to local availability and levels of human disturbance, while density estimates show a decreasing gradient from the Amazon to drier environments. Habitat loss and fragmentation, deforestation, fires, and illegal trafficking of jaguar parts are the main threats, exacerbated by conflicts with livestock farming and negative local perceptions, which are intensified in areas with high agricultural expansion and weak institutional control. Among the works analyzed, studies focused on threats were the most prevalent (40%). Despite retaining 86% of its historical range, the species faces increasing pressures, underscoring the need to strengthen conservation strategies, maintain ecological connectivity, and promote international cooperation.
The jaguar (Panthera onca) is an iconic species in Bolivia due to its ecological and cultural significance. Understanding its ecology, population dynamics, and the threats it faces is key to designing effective long-term conservation strategies. To this end, 61 publications produced between 2010 and 2024 were reviewed, including 28 regional or continental studies with information relevant to Bolivia. Most of the research conducted during the period analyzed focused on the Chiquitano dry forest (18% of publications), the Chaco (18%), and the southwestern Amazon (18%), while ecoregions such as the Cerrado and dry montane forests had no publications. Studies on diet show variations linked to local availability and levels of human disturbance, while density estimates show a decreasing gradient from the Amazon to drier environments. Habitat loss and fragmentation, deforestation, fires, and illegal trafficking of jaguar parts are the main threats, exacerbated by conflicts with livestock farming and negative local perceptions, which are intensified in areas with high agricultural expansion and weak institutional control. Among the works analyzed, studies focused on threats were the most prevalent (40%). Despite retaining 86% of its historical range, the species faces increasing pressures, underscoring the need to strengthen conservation strategies, maintain ecological connectivity, and promote international cooperation.
Description
Vol. 60, No. 2