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Jaguars (Panthera onca) increase kill utilization rates and share prey in response to seasonal fluctuations in nesting green turtle (Chelonia mydas mydas) abundance in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

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Abstract

Jaguar (Panthera onca) predation of green turtles (Chelonia mydas mydas) is now a common occurrence in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. The abundance of green turtles during nesting season ensures a constant provision of easy and predictable prey, however it is unknown to what extent jaguars consume turtle carcasses and how the jaguar population responds to limited turtle availability outside of nesting season. This study took advantage of the accessible nature of jaguar-predated turtle carcasses on Tortuguero Beach over a two year period (2011–2013), to provide a novel analysis of carcass utilization rates by jaguars and determine the effects of temporal fluctuations in green turtle nesting numbers. Camera traps were set-up on freshly predated turtles to capture jaguar activity across both Peak and Non Peak green turtle nesting seasons. Thirteen individual jaguars (five males, five females, three cubs) were captured returning to 77% of monitored turtle kills (60% Peak; 95% Non Peak). During Non Peak season, the number of jaguars per kill increased (H(1) = 15.91, p < 0.001) and total jaguar feeding time per kill also increased (H(1) = 13.34, p < 0.001). The propensity for tolerated scavenging or sharing during Non Peak season is illustrated by four adult jaguars captured interacting with a kill at separate times over two nights in October, 2012 (two males, two females). There were no significant differences between males and females, although there is a tendency for the latter to handle the prey to a greater extent. Although marine turtles may not to be a primary prey species, they play an important role in subsidizing the jaguars in this study. The increased kill utilization rates and prey sharing displayed by the jaguars, ensures optimal foraging during periods of low prey availability. These apparently atypical feeding behaviors may be unique to Tortuguero, however their prevalence across the jaguar’s range should be considered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Global Vision International/GVI Costa Rica, 230-60601, Quepos, Costa Rica

    James Guilder, Benjamin Barca & Roberto Gramajo

  2. Instituto Internacional en Conservación y Manejo de Vida Silvestre, Universidad Nacional, 1350-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica

    Stephanny Arroyo-Arce

  3. Panthera Costa Rica, 8-3870-1000, San José, Costa Rica

    Roberto Salom-Pérez

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  1. James Guilder
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  2. Benjamin Barca
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  4. Roberto Gramajo
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  5. Roberto Salom-Pérez
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Correspondence to James Guilder.

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Guilder, J., Barca, B., Arroyo-Arce, S. et al. Jaguars (Panthera onca) increase kill utilization rates and share prey in response to seasonal fluctuations in nesting green turtle (Chelonia mydas mydas) abundance in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. Mamm Biol 80, 65–72 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mambio.2014.11.005

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