In Costa Rica, conflict between cattle ranchers and felines led to the illegal hunting of jaguars and pumas. It is estimated that incursions by these animals onto farms caused losses of around US$1,000 per head of cattle.

However, this situation took a turn in 2013 with the arrival of the Feline Conflict Response Unit (UACFel), a collaborative project between the NGO Panthera and Costa Rican environmental authorities.

This initiative stands out in Latin America because it has taken charge of both responding to reports of predation and finding solutions for those affected.

From 2013 to July of this year, its information system has recorded 507 reports of predation, with pumas responsible for 201 attacks and jaguars for 156. This data is crucial for identifying the main areas occupied by these felines and designing intervention programs.

The initiative promotes peaceful coexistence between livestock farmers and felines through the implementation of advanced technologies and productive improvement policies on farms. It has also succeeded in reducing attacks and transforming livestock farmers’ perception of these species.

The main intervention of the project consists of installing four-wire electric fences to deter jaguars and pumas from entering pastures. This type of measure has been implemented on around 160 farms.

 “The effectiveness of the interventions has been greater than 95%, and in cases where predation has occurred, it has been due to human error,” says biologist Daniel Corrales.

It is estimated that around $300,000 has already been invested in improving more than 400 farms and in deterrent technologies, financed mainly by international cooperation funds.

“What we are trying to do is ensure that the jaguar (primarily) is no longer seen as the enemy, but rather as the character that brought progress, happiness, better management, and more technology to their farm,” concludes Corrales.

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