The current range of the jaguar (Panthera onca) spans sixty degrees of latitude across eighteen countries in the Western Hemisphere and covers approximately 7,000,000 km². Throughout this geographical breadth, jaguars represent an essential component of native biological diversity, but conflict revolving around real and perceived jaguar depredation on livestock is a factor in jaguar mortality. We developed a structured questionnaire to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-depredation strategies from northern Mexico to Argentina, collecting data from 11 countries and 248 livestock operations, 194 with efficacy metrics, and 24 with benefit–cost ratios (value of the livestock losses averted/cost of the intervention). Using coarse categories, 11 intervention types were tested. Techniques effectively reducing livestock losses were documented across the entire livestock operation size (2–130,000 ha, 5–30,000 head) and biome spectrum. While the techniques varied in complexity and required levels of investment, successful reductions in depredation were achieved at all levels. We conclude that anti-depredation strategies are highly effective, and when benefits are evaluated, they surpass costs, sometimes substantially. Given the proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the techniques described in this paper, we advocate for broader application across the species range to increase tolerance towards jaguars and a more effective human–jaguar coexistence.

This study examines the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in fecal samples from free-ranging jaguars (Panthera onca) in the Pantanal biome and assesses their potential as bioindicators of environmental health at the human-animal interface using a noninvasive approach. In 2024, ten fresh fecal samples were collected from the ground at Piuval Lodge in the northern Pantanal, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. All samples were morphologically consistent with large felids, suggesting a high likelihood of originating from jaguars, based on field evidence. Coproparasitological analysis using sedimentation and flotation techniques identified Spirometra spp. eggs, with a positivity rate of 100%. Additionally, 20% of the samples tested positive for Toxocara spp. and one sample was positive for the genus Ancylostoma. This study highlights that jaguars (Panthera onca) are a potential bioindicator of environmental health and a sentinel species in the Pantanal, thus emphasizing the interaction between wildlife, domestic animals and human activities.

Mammalian hair is a source of biological information and can be used in genetic, toxicological, hormonal, and ecological studies. However, non-invasive collection methods are still little explored. This study aimed to describe and validate a passive methodology for collecting hair from jaguars (Panthera onca) and evaluate its viability for different analyses. This study was conducted in the Northern Pantanal, where synthetic fiber mats were installed in strategic locations to passively capture hair. The presence of animals and the collection of samples were monitored by camera traps over a period of 30 days. The collected samples were subjected to morphological analyses by electron microscopy, molecular tests for genetic and sex identification, and isotopic and heavy metal analyses. The results showed that the collected hairs were well preserved, allowing the structural and molecular identification of the material. The analyses confirmed the viability of DNA for genetic studies and revealed specific concentrations of heavy metals and stable isotopes. The proposed methodology proved to be effective and is a promising alternative for obtaining samples without directly interfering with the behavior of the animals.