The fatal attack of a jaguar to Jorge Avalo, a 60-year-old homemade, in the isolated region of Dead Taurus, Pantanal de Mato Grosso do Sul, on April 21, rekindled the debate on interaction between humans and large felines.
The incident is considered under and atypical, because the jaguar It does not usually see the human being as a natural prey.
Experts and authorities investigate the case, pointing out that fatality may be the result of the combination of human and environmental factors. .
Considered an environmental crime, “Ceva” can make animals Lose the natural fear of approaching humansassociating human presence with food.
The expert teacher, Gediendson Araújo, described CNN that the situation as “absolutely atypical” and arising from a accusation From the animal to the scene, something that was also suggested by the victim’s nephew, who reported daytime sightings of the jaguar near Fisheries facilities, where the victim lived.
Habitat gives species
From the environmental point of view, the region of Taurus Dead, part of the Pantanal, is a habitat Natural For the jaguar and the jaguar, with a high degree of conservation that favors the preservation of species.
However, isolated geography creates a “demographic emptiness” where nature predominates, but there are also human activities present. The expansion of livestock in these areas leads to conflict frequent, with jaguars attacking domestic cattle.
Authorities and criminal expertise consider other hypotheses for the motivation of the attack, besides the habituation. Among them are the food scarcity In nature, a defensive behavioro reproductive period animal – males can become more aggressive – or some Victim’s involuntary attitude.
The jaguar pointed out as responsible for the attack was captured at dawn on April 24 at the same location as the incident. The animal, a male, was taken to the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center (CRAS) in Campo Grande for exams, stabilization and recovery.
Broader problem
The incident reflects a broader problem, according to analyzes made by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio). Studies demonstrate threats to jaguarresulting from the growing contact with human activities. Habitat loss and fragmentation, caused by the expansion of economic and infrastructure activities, are the main threats to conservation of the species.
This fragmentation results in greater proximity of jaguars with human populations and greater susceptibility to risk factors, such as run over and social and environmental conflicts. The retaliation for the predation of herds is a important cause of mortality For jaguars, especially in the Pantanal.
The case of the homemade homemade in Mato Grosso do Sul is under investigation, with analysis of routine images of animals and other evidence being performed to understand what happened.
