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We analyzed surveys from 383 ranchers to determine their perceptions of puma damage in Chubut province (Central Patagonia). Thirty-two percent of respondents had a negative perception, while 65% were neutral. Negative perceptions increased: (a) with the breeding of mixed livestock, (b) with the presence of neighboring inactive, and (c) in small and medium ranches. Our results showed that ranchers use both lethal control and non-lethal methods (regular patrol of the ranch areas, night and seasonal enclosures, guardian dogs) to reduce livestock predation. Lethal control has great acceptance among ranchers, but there is a general lack of evidence about its effectiveness. Considering that our results indicated that the puma may not be the major problem in livestock areas, it is necessary to review the current management policy. We suggest focusing efforts to reduce livestock depredation only on affected ranches, prioritizing the development of non-lethal methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lethal control of carnivores in order to protect livestock is a common practice worldwide, but its effectiveness has been poorly evaluated and is still unclear. Pumas (Puma concolor) are considered by ranchers one of the main sheep predators in Patagonia, and their hunting is ncouraged by the by the provincial estates through a state bounty system. This management measure does not include the examination and monitoring of the removed individuals. Our objective was to determine the age and sex structure of cougars hunted through the state bounty system in Chubut and Santa Cruz. We examined 411 skulls collected in both provinces. The age of each specimen was estimated by their tooth-wear pattern, established on the basis of skulls of known age. Sex was specified by hunters or obtained through a discriminant analysis based on four cranial measurements taken from specimens of known sex. The greatest proportion of individuals in both provinces corresponds to class I or sub -adults (between 16 months and two years of age) (43.6% in Chubut and 46.5% in Santa Cruz), followed by cubs (up to 16 months old) and the successive age-classes. The bias towards younger age classes could be related to their relative abundance in the population together with their vulnerability to harvest. The state bounty system does not provide real benefits to livestock ranchers. Effort and resources for the management of cougars should be used to develop alternative strategies that address the issues discussed here and that benefit both the productive sector and the conservation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]