Access the full text.
Sign up today, get DeepDyve free for 14 days.
Loading next page...
/lp/taylor-francis/assessing-the-credibility-of-jaguarundi-puma-yagouaroundi-observations-p0WPDRyirq
References
References for this paper are not available at this time. We will be adding them shortly, thank you for your patience.
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Copyright
- Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
- ISSN
- 1533-158X
- eISSN
- 1087-1209
- DOI
- 10.1080/10871209.2011.563771
- Publisher site
- See Article on Publisher Site
Abstract
Despite its legal protection, the jaguarundi's (Puma yagouaroundi) status in the United States is currently unknown. Historical accounts indicate jaguarundis previously occupied habitats in extreme southern Texas. Although sightings continue to occur in the United States, none have been confirmed, and it is unclear if jaguarundis are still resident. Since the mid-1970s, however, evidence in the form of first-hand observations is suggestive of the presence of jaguarundis in Big Bend National Park. We assessed the credibility of 79 alleged jaguarundi records spanning three decades using a combination of diagnostic criteria and witness credibility. Based on this discriminatory process, we found “strong support” for 40 of these records, and believe a resident, low-density population of jaguarundis may exist in Big Bend. While not as irrefutable as physical evidence, objective reviews of species records may have merit as a tool to help evaluate whether the investment of more rigorous survey techniques is warranted.
Journal
Human Dimensions of Wildlife – Taylor & Francis
Published: Sep 1, 2011
Keywords: jaguarundi; Big Bend National Park; sighting records; diagnostic criteria; peripheral populations