Project Synopsis

The Huelmul-Puma project is in collaboration with Conservacion Patagonica in Chilean Patagonia, Aysén Region, and contributes to ongoing efforts to create conservation strategies for endangered huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus) and to establish the future Patagonia National Park. Our objectives are: 1) To describe the life history of an unknown population of pumas (Puma concolor puma). 2)  To describe puma feeding ecology in the presence and absence of endangered huemul deer, including their prey preferences and foraging behaviors in multi-prey systems. 3) To document the influence of competitive scavengers on puma feeding ecology, with regards to how it might change optimal foraging theory for large predators.