Panthera's Pantanal jaguar project

You know those jaguars we want to see so much? Turns out they are listed as near-threatened on the IUCN Red List, the organisation that tracks the conservation statues of organisms worldwide. I came across this post on Panthera's website, which details their project for conservation of jaguars in the Pantanal region. Panthera is a organisation dedicated to directing and implementing conservation strategies for all species of big cats, using them as umbrella species for the preservation of the entire habitat that they live in.

The strategies they use to collect data and conduct research are varied and interesting, ranging from creating a reporting system among the Pantaneiros for jaguar sightings to forms of remote monitoring, including satellite telemetry and taking transects. The one I wanted to highlight was their practice of using radio collars to track and monitor the movements of jaguars. Though controversial, as seen by their statement here, the goal is to reduce conflict between the local ranchers and the jaguars who kill and eat their cattle. By having evidence of the movements of jaguars, it becomes possible to demonstrate that not all cattle deaths are jaguar related and introduce the Pantaneiros to techniques in cattle husbandry that actually reduce losses, such as 'herd-guarding' buffalo and corralling young, vulnerable calves.

The Pantanal is fascinating both because of the diversity of the wildlife but also because of the culture and people that live there. Coexisting is something that we would certainly like to see!

PS: Panthera made a short film called "My Pantanal", which includes footage of the traps they use to collar the jaguars. Though I didn't really like the "cutesy" narration, I thought there were some interesting shots of life in the Pantanal, and of course, jaguars!!