Resumen

DIAZ-PULIDO, Angélica  y  PAYAN GARRIDO, Esteban. Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) density in Colombian llanos. Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2011, vol.18, n.1, pp.63-71. ISSN 0327-9383.

Ocelot ecology is largely unknown for seasonally flooded savannahs, particularly for the Neotropical llanos of Colombia. Camera trap surveys were carried out in a private reserve in the Colombian llanos to estimate ocelot density. Five to six different ocelots (depending on the side of the animal photographed) were identified from 25 photographs taken during a survey of 1282 trap-nights. Ocelot density was estimated at 5.47 (MMDM) and 11.08 (1/2 MMDM) per 100 km². This is one of the lowest densities reported for the species and the first time that density is estimated through camera trapping for this habitat type. It is inferred that the particular habitat of seasonally flooded savannahs dissected by riparian forest influences this low density, additionally to threats due to direct hunting, habitat transformation (palm oil, rice plantations, and extensive cattle ranching) and prey hunting by humans. At this reported density, an estimated area of 4570 km² is necessary for the long term survival of an ocelot population (n=500).

Palabras clave : Camera traps; Colombia; Density; Leopardus pardalis; Llanos.

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