The WWF Jaguar Project in the Pantanal

Conflict with humans is one of the most serious issues facing the Jaguar (Panthera onca) in its habitat throughout Central and South America. A combination of deforestation and hunting by ranchers protecting their livestock has resulted in declining numbers of the big cat. While there are a number of high-profile conservation efforts in place that are focused on reversing the trend, the co-operation of local communities, ranchers and businesspeople is paramount to the animal's continued survival.

Panthera onca in the Pantanal

The lush natural region of the Brazilian Pantanal is the most renowned place in the world for Jaguar watching. The planet's largest wetland, this intricate and extremely biodiverse ecosystem is home to a staggering number of plant and animal species, of which the big cat is the apex predator. Researchers, scientists, conservationists and nature enthusiasts on Jaguar watching tours are attracted by the very real opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic big cats.

The Pantanal also encompasses human habitat, however, and conservationists recognise the need to foster an environment in which both man and big cat can coexist. As well as dense rainforest, the big cat's home range often includes large tracts of open grasslands, farms and ranches, leaving domestic livestock open to predation. This in turn sets the Jaguar up as a target for ranchers protecting their livelihood.

WWF in Brazil

Global environmental agency World Wildlife Fund's Brazilian arm (WWF Brazil) has set up the Pantaniera Jaguar Project, in order to increase education and involve ranchers from the Pantanal in their conservation efforts on the ground. The aim of the programme is to use scientific knowledge to facilitate a sustainable solution to human/big cat conflict in the region.

Since 2003, researchers have been studying the behaviour, predation and habitat of Panthera onca in the Pantanal. The data already gathered forms a basis for their ongoing research to solidify their findings that the more conserved an area is – meaning higher populations of food sources for the big cat, including larger mammals like deer and Capybaras – the less instances there are of attacks on domestic livestock.

Through data collected via camera traps and other methods, research also proves that fewer attacks on livestock occur at distances over 200 metres from dense forest.

A Peaceful Coexistence of Man and Big Cat

Involving farmers and ranchers in the WWF program at a grassroots level has led to a greater use of specialised management techniques in order to reduce the number of attacks on livestock. Ranchers now have a greater understanding of the need to keep their livestock out of the forests, and also the need to halt the practice of hunting smaller prey food sources, like deer and Capybaras.

Cattle farming is one of the major economic activities of this area, so, in terms of conservation, it's vital that ranchers are able to find incentives to enjoy a peaceful coexistence with the big cat. With the aid of the WWF programme, they're being encouraged to propose alternatives to establish and nurture a win-win situation for both sides.

The Importance of Ecotourism

As well as ensuring their own livelihood and the survival of this biodiverse wildlife habitat, ranchers also stand to generate extra income through conservation practices. Jaguar watching tours are the main source of tourism income and the area is renowned as being one of the best places to encounter the big cat in the wild. In many places, the animals are habituated to the presence of vehicles, meaning that the chance of a sighting is very high.

The WWF programme is proving to be a highly successful way of creating greater understanding between local ranchers and conservationists, as they come together with a common goal to preserve the spectacular wildlife, and way of life, of the Pantanal.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer with a special interest in Jaguar watching. Being passionate about her subject, Marissa chooses the expert-led Jaguar watching itineraries organised by Naturetrek, which have brought her unforgettable sightings of a wide range of wildlife in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.