Isotopic data for: Reconstructing the last foraging decisions of an iconic jaguar illuminates the sources of human-wildlife conflicts.

Isotopic data for: Reconstructing the last foraging decisions of an iconic jaguar illuminates the sources of human-wildlife conflicts.

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflicts led to the death of Máscara, one of the last jaguars in the fragmented landscapes of the Atlantic Forest. Stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) analyses of his whiskers revealed a predominant reliance on native prey (76%) but with periods of increased domestic prey predation. This challenges the narrative of jaguars as livestock specialists within periods of jaguar-human conflicts. Instead, results highlight the jaguar´s trophic flexibility and preference for native prey. These findings emphasize the critical need for conservation strategies that integrate prey availability, jaguar behavior, and conflict mitigation to ensure coexistence in fragmented landscapes.