Jaguar Research

In the central area of the Iwokrama Forest, Iwokrama intends to estimate the abundance and density of the local Jaguar population. As a top land predator, the Jaguar is an indicator species as to the health of the rain forest due to its interactions with the ecosystem.

This research will not only help with monitoring the overall ecology of the Forest, but also help with decisions about natural resource management and business development within certain areas of the Forest, such as timber and ecotourism. These observations may also help identify good spots for visitors and researchers to sight Jaguars and other animals. 

(Photo © A. Holland / G. Duncan)

Sites for camera traps (mechanisms to automatically photograph passing wildlife) were chosen in the surroundings of the Canopy Walkway, one of Forest's major visitor attractions. This location was chosen based on reported sightings and visible signs of Jaguars, such as droppings and tracks.

A resource for this project is a 2004 Jaguar camera trapping report by Scott C. Silver et al. based on a Research Report (.pdf) from a study in Belize and Bolivia.

This is Iwokrama's second camera trapping project; the other is for Brazilian Tapir Research.

Objectives

• Get a general overview about the recent Jaguar population
• Gain important information for conservation management
• Improve methodology of using camera traps for surveying animal populations

Methodology

The methodology for this project follows the suggestions of the Tropical Ecology, Assessment, and Monitoring (TEAM) Initiative's " Camera Trapping Protocol " (.pdf file), with a few alterations.

In the camera trapping exercise there are 3 parallel, 9 km long (5.6 mi.) transect lines (sample surveys areas). Each line is 3km (1.9 mi.) apart.  There are 17 trapping sites in a 72 sq. km grid (about 28 sq. mi.).

• Transects were cut weeks before the actual project began in the area where there were existing trails used by Jaguars or other large animals based on sightings or regular signs of these animals.
• Trails connect spots within different structured parts of the Forest, where camera traps are set out at an average distance of 1.5km (.93 mi.) from each other.
• Camera traps contain an ordinary camera connected to an infra-red sensor that responds to heat and motion.
• Each site has 2 camera traps strapped to trees about 60 cm (2 ft.) above the ground. The camera traps are approximately 3m (10 ft.) apart, facing each other to ideally take photos from both sides of the animals that pass by.

• Cameras are checked bi-weekly.
• Film and batteries are replaced and camera functions are tested to trigger a photo response.
• Films are collected and developed.
• Photos are analysed and every "capture" is recorded.

Project Updates

• September 2004: After the beginning of the project damage to the camera traps occurred becuase of local conditions such as severe humidity. Nonetheless, the traps resulted in photos of key species such as the Brazilian Tapir and Puma (see carnivores in the online mammal guide), as well as other mammals and larger birds; no Jaguars have been yet been recorded. A list of animals recorded by the cameras is available here... (.pdf)

• January 2005: The camera traps were repaired and modified.  Modifications included improving the casing/housing of the traps to seal them from the high forest humidity and increase interior moisture protection. After a few weeks of field testing they are functioning properly and there has been an increase in photos. Traps will now be relocated to the study sites.

Please check back for updates and photos from the

Jaguar Camera Trapping Project!