Area of Study: Pumas

Throughout the duration of my week as a Darwin200 Leader in Puerto Madryn, Argentina, I had the opportunity to work with Analia Andrade, an expert in the human-wildlife conflict between the Puma concolor and sheep farmers in the Chubut province of Patagonia. This region has undergone vast environmental transformation due to increasing anthropogenic activities. I did independent research to study the foundations of the issue and found there is limited empirical literature that quantifies the effects of Pumas on the farming economy. However, there is vast evidence indicating the vital role of this apex predator in ecological control of herbivores (e.g., Guanacos, Hares, Rheas, etc.) which graze on the vegetation. I carried out multiple interviews to gain an insight into the local context and the drivers and impacts of the conflict between Pumas and humans in this area of Argentina.

Throughout this process I was accompanied by a filmmaker who documented the process to produce 3 short films that lay out the issue. My aim was to create a 3-part story that could be used in the community to raise awareness on the issue, the importance of conserving Pumas, what is being done to reduce casualties for humans and wildlife, and finally, what needs to be done to continue conserving the Puma concolor. This issue is not only relevant for Argentina, but for countries across the globe where there is increasing contact between human populations and wildlife (e.g., Lions, Bears, Orcas, Sharks, etc.) which is facing increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities and associated habitat loss both on land and in our oceans.