Noteworthy records of puma (Puma concolor) in Morelos, México

Abstract

We present noteworthy records of puma (Puma concolor) within the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve (SHBR), Morelos, México, captured in photo-trapping samplings done in 2019 at ejidos, within this natural protected area and Morelos.  These records were obtained few years after the first record of jaguar (Panthera onca) for this natural protected area and Morelos.  Two potentially different adult individuals of puma were identified.  These records are the first confirmed photographic evidence of this species for the SHBR and for Morelos. There is little confirmed evidence of the presence of the species which is considered rare or absent in many sites throughout the state.  In the case of the SHBR, although there are a few anecdotal reports by local inhabitants of sightings or tracks, the presence of pumas had never been confirmed photographically.  We consider that these records are related to evidence from recent studies, showing that the ecological integrity of the area is, on average, moderately high as a consequence of the increase of the tropical deciduous forest cover.  This has presumably led to an increase in populations of different species that compose the puma’s diet.  Furthermore, it has been estimated that the quality of habitat for this predator in the SHBR has been increasing.  Therefore, we consider that our photographic records of puma in this natural protected area indicate that the efforts focused on the conservation of the biological diversity have had positive results and strongly suggest that the presence of puma in the area may increase in the medium term.