Belizean jaguar populations 'well connected'

Researchers from the University of Southampton are finding that Belizean jaguars are roaming further than previously thought. This presents a conservation paradox- the fact that jaguars roam larger areas means that it is easier for their population to remain genetically diverse, but also means that there are more opportunities for jaguar/human conflict.

The researchers have also found that this is not the case with Belizean pumas (aka cougars). The pumas rarely leave the rainforest that serves as their stomping ground, and those territories are shrinking.

The study set up 178 motion capture cameras to catch photos of jaguars and pumas in Belize. The research suggests that pumas may be less tolerant of people than jaguars.

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