OCCURRENCE OF JAGUAR (PANTHERA ONCA) IN SINALOA, MEXICO

Abstract

Abstract Little is known about the distribution of jaguar (Panthera onca) in Sinaloa. We provide current information about the distribution of this species in this state. Different areas of the state were visited, and people were interviewed from May 2000 to May 2002. We obtained 57 records, of which 41 are new; records were most abundant in the southern half of the state. The extensive areas still covered by tropical deciduous forest in good condition are important for the conservation of the jaguar. The density of prey species for jaguar seems to be high according to local residents. Free-ranging cattle also are distributed in all areas of the state, and predation on cattle is common. Ranchers regularly kill jaguars using poisons (strychnine), dogs, steel traps, and shooting. The abundance of records suggests that the jaguar still exists in Sinaloa, especially in the mountainous areas, but there is an urgent need to conduct additional studies to determine its actual status. Resumen Se sabe poco de la di...