Felidae

Understanding the effect of anthropogenic disturbance, and its interaction with carnivores and their prey, is crucial to support the conservation of threatened carnivores, particularly in rapidly changing landscapes. Based on systematic camera-trap sampling of four protected areas in Riau Province of central Sumatra, we assessed the habitat occupancy and spatiotemporal overlap between people, potential carnivore prey, and four threatened species of medium-sized or large carnivores: Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus), dholes (Cuon alpinus), and Sunda clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi). To assess spatial overlap of target species, we used single-species occupancy models and applied a Species Interaction Factor (SIF) to conditional two-species occupancy models. We also used kernel density estimation (KDE) to assess temporal overlap among these species. Our habitat use models showed that altitude (elevation) strongly influenced the occupancy of all large carnivores and potential prey species. Except for Sunda clouded leopards, the occurrence of large carnivore species was positively related to the spatial co-occurrence of humans (SIF > 1). In addition, we found that sun bears and dholes both exhibited high spatial overlap with tigers, and that sun bears alone exhibited high temporal overlap with people. Our findings contribute to an improved understanding of the contemporary ecology of carnivores and their prey in rapidly changing, southeast Asian landscapes. Such knowledge is important to the conservation and recovery of large carnivores in conservation hotspots that are increasingly dominated by humans across Sumatra, as well as globally.

Aim: Reliable estimates of population density are fundamental to wildlife conservation and management. Although the leopard cat is the most common and widespread wild felid in China, little is known about the ecology and population biology of this species in the country. Using spatially explicit capture-recapture (SERC) modelling derived from extensive camera-trapping data, we estimated the population density and activity patterns of leopard cats in a well-protected private nature reserve in southern China.

Methods: Between June 2020 and May 2021, we conducted a camera-trap survey across a pre-determined grid system in Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), Hong Kong. KFBG was established on a barren hillside following sustained anthropogenic disturbances. After six decades of protection, secondary forest currently covers approximately 80% of the site. We deployed a total of 19 camera trap stations across our small 1.5 km2 study area, with two opposite-facing cameras at each station to obtain images of both flanks of leopard cats. The consecutive 12-month survey yielded 113 independent capture events of the leopard cat, of which 61 events were clear enough to facilitate individual identification. Based on closed population assumptions for capture-recapture models, we also divided the 12-month survey into six two-month sampling periods, and estimated the population density for each sampling period using Maximum Likelihood SECR modelling. We also examined activity kernel densities to estimate the difference in diel activity patterns between wet and dry seasons.

Results: Our analyses revealed that results from two sampling periods were robust and precise enough (i.e., low standard error and narrow 95% confidence intervals) to estimate leopard cat density. We estimated leopard density between June-July 2020 as D = 0.64 ± 0.31 (0.26–1.55) individuals/km2, and between February-March 2021 as D = 0.87 ± 0.48 (0.31–2.40) individuals/km2, which are among the highest density estimates for this species reported in any region. We also found that the diel activity pattern of leopard cats in the study site is arrhythmic during the wet season, but became more nocturnal-crepuscular during the dry season, though they also exhibited some diurnal activity. Kernel density analyses however suggested no significant differences in diel activity patterns occurred between wet and dry seasons. 

Conclusions: Our study provides important early data on the population density of leopard cats in southern mainland China, the results of which allow for comparisons with other studies elsewhere using capture-recapture modelling approaches. We further demonstrate the utility of SECR methods for estimating population density over short and long sampling periods across necessarily small sampling areas. We further provide practical recommendations for conducting camera trap surveys to enhance the success rates of individual identification and “recapture” of leopard cats. In accordance with the conclusion of other studies, our results show that leopard cats are highly adaptable, exhibit great plasticity in daily activity, and thrive well in human-modified landscapes.

The Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi is a medium sized (15–25 kg) cat, found only on the Sundaic islands of Borneo and Sumatra. In recent years intensive camera-trapping surveys in Borneo have begun to shed light on the habitat associations and basic ecology of this elusive wild cat, but its distribution on an island-wide scale remains very poorly known. Such information is an essential element in the assessment of the Sunda clouded leopard’s conservation status and in the development of conservation action. In this paper we use MaxEnt niche distribution modelling to make predictions regarding the current distribution of this cat on Borneo. We collected a total of 259 occurrence records for the Sunda clouded leopard, stemming from all Bornean regions apart from Brunei and South Kalimantan, of which 48 (Balanced Model) or 94 (Spatial Filtering Model) were used in our modelling. Our habitat suitability model suggests that this species has a widespread distribution over a large co...

El jaguar es una especie clave en todos los ecosistemas del continente americano donde habita, no obstante, su rango de distribución se ha visto disminuido, incluso siendo extirpado de algunos países. Su conservación adquiere una mayor relevancia cuando se pone en contexto con el panorama mundial, donde actualmente existe una pérdida de la biodiversidad a una velocidad insostenible. Es por esto que hoy más que nunca es ineludible nuestra responsabilidad para proteger y hacer uso razonable de los recursos naturales con los que aún contamos. La Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Abra Tanchipa es hogar de una población residente de jaguares, la cual subsiste en unos de los últimos relictos de vegetación Neotropical en el noreste de México. Esta reserva, al igual que muchas otras, enfrenta constantemente amenazas que ponen en vilo su delicado equilibrio ecológico, como fragmentación del hábitat, expansión de la frontera agropecuaria e incendios forestales. Este volumen es el resultado de la compilación de poco más de una década de esfuerzos de investigación, manejo y conservación en torno al tercer felino más grande del mundo y depredador ápice de las selvas de América.

Large ‘apex’ predators influence ecosystems in profound ways, by limiting the density of their prey and controlling smaller ‘mesopredators’. The loss of apex predators from much of their range has lead to a global outbreak of mesopredators, a process known as ‘mesopredator release’ that increases predation pressure and diminishes biodiversity. While the classifica- tions apex- and meso-predator are fundamental to current ecological thinking, their definition has remained ambiguous. Trophic cascades theory has shown the importance of predation as a limit to population size for a variety of taxa (top–down control). The largest of predators however are unlikely to be limited in this fashion, and their densities are commonly assumed to be determined by the availability of their prey (bottom–up control). However, bottom–up regulation of apex predators is contradicted by many studies, particularly of non-hunted populations. We offer an alternative view that apex predators are distinguishable by a capacity to limit their own population densities (self-regulation). We tested this idea using a set of life-history traits that could contribute to self-regulation in the Carnivora, and found that an upper limit body mass of 34 kg (corresponding with an average mass of 13–16 kg) marks a transition between extrinsically- and self- regulated carnivores. Small carnivores share fast reproductive rates and development and higher densities. Large carnivores share slow reproductive rates and development, extended parental care, sparsely populated territories, and a propensity towards infanticide, reproductive suppression, alloparental care and cooperative hunting. We discuss how the expression of traits that contribute to self-regulation (e.g. reproductive suppression) depends on social stability, and highlight the importance of studying predator–prey dynamics in the absence of predator persecution. Self-regulation in large carnivores may ensure that the largest and the fiercest do not overexploit their resources.

A new and surprising record of Miracinonyx trumani has been recognized from the Grand Canyon of northern Arizona. Three sites along the length of the canyon contain fossils of M. trumani; Rampart Cave, Next Door Cave, and Stanton’s Cave. Rampart Cave contains partial skeletons of a juvenile and a sub-adult cat. Cranial materials from Rampart Cave are distinct from Puma in the presence of a heavy dentition, a reduced protocone of the P4, short robust canine, and a reduced diastima between the c1 and p3. Next Door Cave has a single record of an adult calcaneum of M. trumani that is morphologically distinct from Puma in its large size and the presences of a well developed navicular facet. Stanton’s Cave contains phalanges that are similar to Puma but are proportionately gracile in comparison with modern Puma.
The presence of Miracinonyx within the Grand Canyon raises questions about the ecology of this large cat. Previously, Miracinonyx was proposed as a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) ancestor or convergently cheetah-like as a felid that hunted prey in open savanna-like habitats. The rarity of ungulates adapted to a savanna-like habitat during the Rancholabrean within the Grand Canyon and the occurrence of the fossils of Miracinonyx within the canyon suggest that Miracinonyx was not confined to the cheetah-like model. The extinct mountain goat Oreamos harringtoni was the most common ungulate within the Rancholabrean of the Grand Canyon and occurs at Rampart Cave and Stanton’s Cave and was perhaps the preferred prey for the Miracinonyx population at the Grand Canyon. We propose that the Grand Canyon Miracinonyx may have had a feeding ecology similar to that of the modern snow leopard (Uncia uncia), a large felid adapted for swift pursuit of mountain and canyon ungulates over nearly vertical rocky terrain.

The presented work investigates various theories about the significance of felid coat patterns. Most of the hypotheses are based on the theory of adaptive function of animal colouration. As regards felids, it is generally believed that the coat pattern has the function of aggressive resemblance. Early testimonies about cryptic properties of colouration of cats are summarized to provide the historical perspective of the problem. Other putative adaptive functions of patterns are investigated (intraspecific communication, thermoregulation) and close attention is paid to the option that the spotted coat of the leopard (Panthera pardus) serves as a cue for recognition from the perspective of prey.
In the next stage, some of the hypotheses are tested by statistical means. The problem is simplified into search for association between a given category of a coat pattern (e.g. spots, stripes) and usual habitat of felid species (e.g. forest, grassland). Pagel’s test for correlated changes is employed to account for phylogenetic relationships. In addition to broadly acknowledged hypotheses, the validity of proposition that juvenile coat patterns have the function of protective resemblance is tested.
Finally, the problem of colouration of felids is linked to broader context of theoretical biology. Apart from prevailing (neo-)Darwinian perspective to the problem of animal colouration, the theory of colour conflict by Hingston and Portmann’s aesthetical morphology are discussed at great length. It is demonstrated that Portmann’s approach yields valuable insights into the problem of the colouration of felids, mainly ontogenetic colour change. Factors accounting for marginal position of Portmann’s investigations within the framework of current biology are analysed from epistemological and philosophical perspective.

Borneo harbours more endemic carnivores than does any other island in the world except Madagascar, and almost half of the Bornean carnivore species have been classified by The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as globally threatened. Here, a systematic conservation planning framework highlighted key carnivore landscapes, conservation research and intervention priorities, and gaps in current knowledge of Bornean carnivore ecology. All single-species predictive habitat suitability index (HSI) models presented in this issue (20 species, comprising all carnivores on Borneo except otters [Lutrinae] and sun bear Helarctos malayanus) were standardised by converting HSI values into binary maps, and combined to derive species richness maps to discuss and delineate areas of conservation priority. The highest predicted carnivore species richness (defined here as the sum of the binary threshold maps), corresponds to interior lowland, upland and lower montane forest, whereas areas with lowest predicted species richness correspond to coastal lowlands already largely converted to oil palm plantations. The 12 proposed areas of conservation importance for carnivores focus on large landscapes and connectivity between subunits, many centred around the tri-national Heart of Borneo initiative, with additional areas for wetland/lowland species. A large proportion of these proposed conservation landscapes are being exploited for commercial purposes (e.g., logging concessions) and would, therefore, improve in conservation value if their management became more sustainable. The most important research priorities for Bornean carnivores are species resilience to altered and fragmented landscapes; under-surveyed regions; and the effects and relative intensity of hunting across the island. The most pressing conservation interventions include conservation research on the most threatened Bornean carnivores: the Bornean ferret badger Melogale everetti and Hose's civet Diplogale hosei (highland endemics), and the flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps and otter civet Cynogale bennettii (wetland specialists). Targeted conservation research and integration of research findings into decision-making, maintaining and restoring connectivity, raising awareness and improving enforcement and governance are also important conservation interventions. Although more resources are needed for conservation and research, the joint effort of scientists, conservationists and government authorities in the identification of key carnivore landscapes, research priorities and conservation issues which this study presents raises hope that more targeted conservation efforts for Bornean carnivores will follow in the future.

Abstrak (Bahasa Indonesia). Wilayah Borneo memiliki paling banyak karnivora endemik dibandingkan pulau lainnya di seluruh dunia, selain Madagaskar. Hampir setengah dari keseluruhan jenis karnivora yang ada di Borneo masuk dalam kategori terancam pada daftar IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Disini, suatu kerangka perencanaan konservasi yang sistimatis menyoroti kawasan kunci karnivora, prioritas penelitian dan intervensi aspek konservasi, serta kesenjangan dari pengetahuan mengenai ekologi karnivora di Borneo. Semua model pendugaan Index Kesesuaian Habitat (IKH) pada setiap spesies yang disajikan dalam tulisan ini (20 spesies, terdiri atas semua spesies karnivora yang ada di Borneo terkecuali berang-berang [Lutrinae] dan Beruang Madu Helarctos malayanus) distandardisasi dengan mengkonversi nilai IKH ke dalam pemetaan binari, dan digabung untuk memperoleh peta kekayaan spesies guna dibahas dan ditetapkan wilayah prioritasnya. Nilai pendugaan kekayaan spesies karnivora tertinggi (sebagai jumlah dari peta ambang binari), adalah selaras dengan bentuk hutan pedalaman dataran rendah, hutan dataran tinggi dan hutan pegunungan dataran rendah, sedangkan wilayah dengan pendugaan kekayaan spesies karnivora terendah adalah selaras dengan bentuk pantai dataran rendah yang telah berubah sepenuhnya menjadi perkebunan kelapa sawit. Dua belas wilayah dicanangkan sebagai wilayah penting untuk dikonservasi bagi karnivora, terpusat pada bentang alam yang luas dan saling berhubungan diantara sub-unit, kebanyakan berpusat di sekitar area Heart of Borneo di tiga negara, dengan wilayah tambahan untuk spesies dataran rendah atau lahan basah. Sebagain besar dari wilayah yang dicanangkan ini merupakan wilayah yang telah banyak dieksploatasi untuk tujuan komersil (konsesi hutan) dan dapat meningkatkan nilai konservasi manakala pengelolaannya bersifat berkelanjutan. Prioritas terpenting untuk penelitian karnivora Borneo adalah kesanggupan spesies beradaptasi pada wilayah yang terfragmentasi; wilayah-wilayah dalam area survey, serta pengaruh dari perburuan di semua wilayah pulau. Intervensi konservasi terpenting mencakup penelitian konservasi pada karnivora Borneo yang paling terancam: Biul Slentek Melogale everetti dan Musang Gunung Diplogale hosei (endemik dataran tinggi), serta Kucing Tandang Prionailurus planiceps dan Musang Air Cynogale bennettii (spesialis lahan basah). Penelitian wilayah konservasi terpilih dan integrasi temuan hasil penelitian kedalam penetapan kebijakan, menjaga dan memperbaiki RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY Supplement

Taman Nasional Bukit Barisan Selatan Lampung bekerjasama dengan Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia Program (WCS-IP) melakukan pengamatan tahunan secara rutin mamalia terestrial seperti jenis Felidae menggunakan camera trap, yang berlokasi di Resort Pemerihan-Way Haru. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi karakteristik habitat, menganalisis keanekaragaman jenis dan kelimpahan relatif jenis Felidae di Taman Nasional Bukit Barisan Selatan. Teknik pengambilan data dilakukan melalui analisis vegetasi dan metode tangkap – tangkap kembali menggunakan kamera jebak dengan jumlah hari aktif 1.411 hari dengan jumlah foto 42.334. Indeks nilai penting yang mendominasi habitat Felidae vegetasi pada tingkat tumbuhan bawah adalah Etlingera sp. (INP=11.23), tingkat semai dan pancang adalah Mallotus miquelianus (INP=15.03 dan INP=17.51), tingkat tiang Dillenia excelsa (INP=37.53) dan tingkat pohon Dracontomelon dao (INP=14.89). Jenis satwa Felidae yang berhasil terekam melalui camera trap adalah jenis Kucing Batu (Pardofelis marmorata) (IKR=0.14; n=2) dan Kucing Hutan (Prionailurus bengalensis) (IKR=0.14; n=2).

A well-preserved right lower jaw with complete P3-M1 and an isolated canine of a large felid was found in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico. It is identified as the American lion Panthera leo atrox. Its presence in Chiapas documents its southernmost distribution in North America.

Una mandíbula derecha bien conservada de un gran félido con P3-M1 y un canino aislado fueron encontrados en el estado sureño de Chiapas, México. Fue identificado como león americano Panthera leo atrox. Su presencia en Chiapas documenta la distribución más al sur del continente
americano.

1. The ecology of the jaguarundi is poorly known, so I reviewed the literature for all original data and remarks on jaguarundi observations, ecology, and behaviour, to synthesize what is known about the species.

2. Jaguarundis occupy and use a range of habitats with dense undergrowth from northern Mexico to central Argentina, but may be most abundant in seasonal dry, Atlantic, gallery, and mixed grassland/agricultural forest landscapes.

3. Jaguarundis are principally predators of small (sigmodontine) rodents, although other mammals, birds, and squamate reptiles are taken regularly.

4. The vast majority of jaguarundi camera-trap records occurred during daylight hours (0600 h–1800 h); jaguaurndis are also predominantly terrestrial, although they appear to be capable tree climbers.

5. Home range sizes for jaguarundis vary greatly, but most are ≤25 km2; females’ territories may be much smaller than or similar in size to those of males. Males may concentrate movements in one area before shifting to another and, as with other felids, intersexual overlap in habitat use appears to be common.

6. Interference competition may be important in influencing the distribution and ecology of jaguarundis, although their diurnal habits may somewhat mitigate its effect.

7. Conflict between humans and jaguarundis over small livestock may be widespread among rural human communities and is likely to be underreported. Despite this conflict, jaguarundis can persist in agriculturally modified landscapes and small forest fragments.

8. Additional research on local jaguarundi populations from more areas should be a priority to determine the true status of the species.

1. India, a mega-diverse country in terms of both biodiversity and people, is battling environmental problems on many fronts: chronic dependence on natural resources, dwindling ecosystem services, declining environmental quality, effects of climate change, and a
biodiversity crisis.
2. We review the current focal areas and infrastructure for ecological research and education in India, along with the surrounding legal and policy aspects of related socio-economic issues.
3. Currently, ecological and applied research is predominantly focused on charismatic species within protected areas. This scope could be broadened beyond organismal biology towards functional landscapes and ecosystems; the education system also needs to promote ecology as a career-choice for scientists. Expectedly, many environmental challenges are generic in nature and occur in other regions of the world, are primarily biophysical in origin but extend into human dimensions; some challenges are socio-political and have implications for biodiversity conservation.
4. Synthesis and applications. India’s environmental concerns include, but are not restricted to the biodiversity crisis. The biodiversity crisis, in turn, includes, but is not restricted to, the most charismatic species. Greater integration and alignment among the mandates of government agencies, scientists, policy makers, and educators is needed to meet contemporary environmental issues."""

This paper consists of a taxonomic and systematic revision of the extinct felid genus Dinofelis (Felidae, Machairodontinae) and an analysis of its ecomorphology and evolution. Dinofelis has a broad distribution, with material from all northern continents and Africa, the latter of which was the apparent centre of evolution of the genus. We describe new material of Dinofelis from a number of sites in eastern Africa and reconsider all previously described
material. We name two new species and identify several other distinct species-level taxa but refrain from naming these due to a paucity of well-preserved material. At the same time, we synonymize the two named Asian species, D. cristata and D. abeli, of which the former has priority. There are few characters useful in systematic analysis, but we can suggest at least one migration from eastern to southern Africa. Ecomorphological analysis of both craniodental and postcranial characters suggests that Dinofelis in many respects converged on modern pantherine cats in morphology and behaviour, a trend culminating in the South African D. barlowi and the Asian D. cristata, which are the most pantherine-like of all machairodont felids. This trend is reversed in the evolution of the youngest
species, D. piveteaui, which is also the most machairodont in its ecomorphology. The timing of the extinction of Dinofelis is difficult to determine. Outside Africa material is scarce at all times, while in Africa the apparent extinction of Dinofelis at about 1.4 Mya coincides with the end of the good, semi-continuous fossil record present in eastern Africa from about 4Mya onwards. Dating of Kanam East (with D. piveteaui) to the Jaramillo Subchron (1.070–0.990 Mya) suggests possible survival considerably later. Thus, the extinction datum for Dinofelis cannot at present be firmly established.

The Honduran Mosquitia constitutes one of the least explored and most pristine areas    of lowland rain forest remaining in Central America. The Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (RPBR), located in the Mosquitia region of northeastern Honduras, is the largest protected area in the country. It’s 350,000 hectares cover a vast expanse of largely intact ecosystems that include the vital Río Plátano and Río Patuca watersheds. With its more than 28 terrestrial and 5 coastal and marine ecosystem types, it supports the highest biodiversity in Honduras (UNESCO 2001; ICF 2013; Martínez 2014). However, much of the RPBR and the Honduran Mosquitia remain unexplored and poorly known scientifically. In 2012, a remarkable archaeological discovery was made deep within the heart of this region. A small team of film producers, explorers and scientists, using a new technology (airborne LIDAR), uncovered the ruins of large urban settlements believed to represent the fabled Ciudad Blanca, or White City (also known as Kaha Kamasa in the local Miskito or Pech language). Ongoing research is revealing the incredible mysteries of a civilization that inhabited the area centuries or more ago.
One of the sites currently under investigation has recently been given the name Ciudad del Jaguar (City of the Jaguar). To complement the wealth of cultural knowledge being collected, this expedition was launched in 2017 to conduct a rapid assessment of the biological diversity surrounding Ciudad del Jaguar within the Ciudad Blanca complex. Due to the remoteness of the study area, the team was transported to and from the site via helicopters.

Lynxes are quite frequent elements of Pleistocene biocenoses. Nevertheless, remains of these felids are generally rather rare. As a consequence, there are only a few palaeontological studies related to lynxes, especially in the last decades. This study was carried out with a critical eye and is about the phylogeny of lynxes. It gives us an overview of what we currently know about the evolution of these felids. In this way, the data of palaeontology and molecular biology were correlated to offer a coherent pluridisciplinary synthesis with an inventory of the Eurasian sites, where remains of lynxes were found. Different elements were highlighted : the probable North American origin of the genus Lynx and the lack of consensus as far as phylogenetic relations uniting extant and fossil lynxes are concerned. This conclusion means that we really need a quick and exhaustive revision of the palaeontological material. In this way, we will be able to precise the different steps which have marked the evolution of lynxes since their apparition in the Lower Pliocene and to verify the taxonomic status and the homogeneity of some species, whose validity is generally accepted (Issoire lynx, Cave lynx,...). This study is also about the potential palaeoenvironmental interest of fossil lynxes and has emphasized the exploitation of these animals (flesh and probably fur) by men since the end of the Middle Pleistocene.

The flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps is classified as one of the most threatened cat species in the world. Its range is restricted to southern Thailand, peninsular Malaysia and the two largest Sunda Islands, Borneo and Sumatra. Its association with wetlands and lowland areas puts great pressure on this species, because these habitats are most threatened by degradation and agricultural conversions. Borneo has been identified as the stronghold for flat-headed cat. Of 140 flat-headed cat occurrence records for Borneo, 50 (Balanced Model) or 76 (Spatial Filtering Model) were used to estimate potential habitat suitability. Although we predicted suitable habitat for the flat-headed cat scattered across the lowlands of Borneo, some large lowland areas are predicted to be unsuitable, a likely consequence of forest conversion to oil palm plantations. Of particular predicted importance are forests in Brunei Darussalam, the Sabangau National Park and surrounding forest complex in Central Kalimantan and forests in North Kalimantan, as well as the central forest block in Sabah. The main threat to the flat-headed cat is ongoing transformation of forested areas to monoculture plantations, as the species appears unable to use these human-dominated habitats. Of particular importance for long-term survival of flat-headed cat is conservation of land near rivers and peat swamp forests.

Abstrak (Bahasa Indonesia). Kucing Tandang Prionailurus planiceps diklasifikasikan sebagai salah satu jenis kucing liar yang paling terancam di dunia. Daerah sebarannya terbatas di Thailand Selatan, Semenanjung Malaysia dan dua Kepulauan Sunda terbesar, Borneo dan Sumatera. Asosiasi jenis ini adalah lahan basah dan dataran rendah, yaitu kawasan yang mendapatkan tekanan yang sangat tinggi saat ini oleh degradasi dan konversi menjadi lahan pertanian, sehingga tekanan terhadap Kucing Tandang juga sangat tinggi. Borneo telah diidentifikasi sebagai benteng terbaik untuk Kucing Tandang. Kami mengumpulkan 140 catatan kehadiran Kucing Tandang di Borneo, dimana 50 (Model Penyeimbang) atau 76 (Model Spasial Tersaring) digunakan untuk mengestimasi habitat yang sesuai. Walaupun prediksi habitat yang sesuai tersebar di dataran rendah Borneo, tetapi hasil penelitian kami juga menyatakan sebagian besar kawasan dataran rendah tidak sesuai untuk habitat, yang merupakan konsekuensi dari konversi hutan menjadi perkebunan sawit. Prediksi kawasan penting adalah kawasan hutan di Brunei Darussalam, Taman Nasional Sebangau dan sekitar kawasan hutan di Kalimantan Tengah, kawasan hutan di Kalimantan Utara, juga kawasan hutan di Sabah. Ancaman utama jenis Kucing Tandang adalah konversi kawasan hutan menjadi kawasan tanaman monokultur sehingga jenis ini tidak dapat hidup di kawasan yang didominasi oleh aktivitas manusia. Suatu yang paling penting bagi kelestarian jenis Kucing Tandang ini adalah mempertahankan kawasan sempadan sungai dan kawasan hutan rawa gambut. Abstrak (Bahasa Malaysia). Kucing Hutan Prionailurus planiceps dianggap sebagai salah satu spesis kucing yang paling terancam di dunia. Taburan spesis ini terhad di selatan Thailand, Semenanjung Malaysia dan di dua kepulauan Sunda yang terbesar iaitu Borneo dan Sumatera. Perkaitannya dengan tanah bencah dan kawasan tanah rendah memberikan tekanan yang tinggi kepada spesis ini kerana habitat ini sangat terancam dengan kemusnahan dan aktiviti penukaran tanah kepada akuakultur. Borneo telah dikenal pasti sebagai kawasan utama untuk Kucing Hutan. Kami mengumpul sejumlah 140 rekod Kucing Hutan di Borneo. Daripada jumlah itu, 50 rekod (Model Seimbang) atau 78 rekod (Model yang ditapis secara spasial) telah digunakan untuk meramal kesesuaian habitat yang berpotensi bagi spesis ini. Walaupun kami meramalkan habitat yang sesuai untuk Kucing Hutan adalah bertaburan di seluruh kawasan tanah rendah Borneo, keputusan yang kami perolehi turut mencadangkan bahawa sesetengah kawasan tanah rendah yang luas adalah tidak sesuai bagi Kucing Hutan. Ini kemungkinan disebabkan kawasan tersebut telah dijadikan ladang kelapa sawit. Antara kawasan penting yang diramal untuk spesis ini adalah hutan di Brunei Darussalam, Taman Negara Sabangau dan kompleks hutan di Kalimantan Tengah, hutan di bahagian utara Kalimantan Timur serta kompleks hutan di bahagian tengah Sabah. Ancaman utama bagi Kucing Hutan adalah penukaran kawasan hutan kepada ladang monokultur yang masih lagi berlaku pada ketika ini. Ini kerana spesis ini dilihat tidak mampu untuk mengguna kawasan yang telah didominasi oleh manusia. Antara langkah penting untuk kelangsungan hidup jangka panjang Kucing Hutan adalah pemuliharaan kawasan hutan yang berhampiran dengan sungai dan hutan paya gambut.

En 2009 se inicio el PROYECTO PUMA DE LAS PAMPAS. De un desconocimiento total acerca del estatus de la especie en la ecorregion pampeana al inicio de las investigaciones, se paso a conocer la existencia de poblaciones en en unos 70 partidos de la provincia de Buenos Aires y en departamentos del sur de las provincias de Córdoba y Santa Fe. Se registro y se efectuó un seguimiento del proceso de recolonizacion de las pampas de Argentina y se realizo una evaluación del conflicto existente con el hombre en el Sistema de Ventania y en el las Lagunas del sur y Bañados del Saladillo. Asimismo se realizaron estudios de conflicto en áreas de influencia como el extremo sur de la provincia de Buenos Aires (partidos de Villarino y Patagones) y sur de la provincia de La Pampa (departamentos de Hucal y Caleu Caleu). Asimismo, se realizo un póster que comenzó a ser distribuido en el suedeste de Buenos Aires. De aquí en adelante se plantean nuevos desafíos para la preservación del puma en las áreas recolonizadas. Mitigar el conflicto incrementando la tolerancia de las comunidades rurales hacia la especie será el objetivo fundamental del proyecto en esta nueva etapa, ademas de dar continuidad a estudios que actualicen distribución y conflicto en las pampas argentinas.

CONFLICT BETWEEN THE PUMA (Puma concolor cabrerae) AND HUMAN INHABITANTS IN THE
CALDEN DISTRICT, ARGENTINA. So as to determine the conflict between humans and pumas (Puma concolor cabrerae)
in the Calden District, Espinal Region, Argentina, 22 ranchers were interviewed between October 2010 and December 2011.
Evidence of the presence of such species would exist in 90.90% of theranches surveyed. In a year period, 72.72% had suffered
depredation incidents attributed to pumas with annual losses estimated inpesos 8.354 (1.943 dollars) per affected livestock
breeder. The total annual perceived economic loss due to cougars, considering all ranches interviewed, was pesos 133.675
(31.087 dollars). Interventions to avoid attacks were adopted by 86.86 % of livestock establishmentsand cougars were
persecuted by 45.45% of ranchers. The majority of respondents (59.09%) believe that cougar numbers have increased in the last
decade. Losses perceived as caused by pumas were considered, by 81.81% of the cattle breeders interviewed, as very important
or important. This felid is viewed as a plague by 63.63% of the respondents. At least eight pumas were killed in a year period
and a large number of individuals seem to be illegally captured and taken to big game hunting preserves for “canned” hunt. We
consider important to evaluate the threats affecting this population because we suppose it can be acting as a source of pumas to
the endangered population of the Argentinean pampas.