Conjunto de datos: Small wild felids of South America: a review of studies, conservation threats, and research needs

A total of nine small wild felid species can be found in a diversity of habitats in South America. Hierarchical models (HM) can be used to estimate key population aspects such as their distribution, abundance, density, and the influence of environmental conditions. HM can accommodate errors during the observation process and can separate this from the ecological process which is key to informing conservation actions. In this chapter, we review the current studies of small wild felids of South America that estimate abundance, density, and occupancy with HM. We quantify the distribution of studies by species and ecoregions, survey efforts, and parameter estimates and their precision. With a priori inclusion criteria, we reviewed 83 studies published between 2002-2022. The species with the highest number of studies was the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), and the one with the least was the Andean cat (L. jacobita). The most widely used detection method was camera-trapping. By 2015, occupancy studies surpassed those of density and abundance. Most estimates of occupancy and density were related to L. pardalis, a species that also showed the broadest range of SE values. The same pattern was observed for L. guttulus where occupancy estimates ranged from 0.1 to 1.0. Improved precision with increasing survey effort was not observed except for the güiña (L. guigna). Conservation recommendations based on the results of HM studies suggests mitigating impacts in three main dimensions: habitat degradation, direct human pressures and impacts of native and domestic carnivores. Species-specific study designs are required for more accurate and precise estimates. Priority on the use of HM should be given to species, such as and geographical areas for which there are research gaps on demographic parameters.