Conservation - JAGUAR RESEARCH PROJECTS

Belize:
Jaguar Track Measurements: Investigation of a potential survey method.
Carolyn Miller, Associate Conservation Zoologist
Wildlife Conservation Society
Gallon Jug c/o Bowen and Bowen Ltd.
PO Box 37 (Express Service: 1 King St.)
Belize City, Belize
Central America
carmarmil@starband.net
January – June 2000

Executive Summary

Male jaguar captured in camera trap near Gallon Jug.

The privately owned Gallon Jug Estate in northwest Belize is strictly protected from hunting. With apparently large numbers of visible prey animals, predators, including jaguar, appear to exist in healthy numbers. The first aspect of jaguar study on this property began during this period. Camera-traps were placed at select areas on the property where it appeared that jaguar tracks could be recorded (i.e., favorable substrate). The resulting photographs provided a check of the identity of photographed jaguars. Jaguar tracks were photographed and matched with camera-trapped jaguar images to provide a positive ID. New computer software was tested to see whether jaguar tracks could be measured with enough precision to distinguish between known animals. Actual measurement of tracks has commenced after software glitches were resolved and appears promising. More than 50 track series were obtained during this period with 10 positive matches with camera-trapped jaguars. To provide a larger sample size, camera-trapping at various sites throughout the property will continue through the next period to sample other jaguars, other substrates and both sexes (tracks of males only were obtained).

Other researchers have been contacted to contribute track photographs from known animals at other study sites following a standardized protocol developed during this period. Download protocol here (PDF).

Click here to read Carolyn Miller's latest report from the field – June 2001.