Análise da distribuição espacial e temporal de onças pardas (Puma concolor) no Brasil e sua relação com o uso e cobertura de solo

Abstract

The advance of human activities worldwide increases with changes in land use and cover, causing alterations in the ecosystem and species distribution. Environmental bioindicators are essential to assess the magnitude of impact on a particular ecosystem. Information about land use and land cover can be obtained and monitored through geoprocessing, allowing for the mapping of the intensity of natural and human-induced actions. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the geographical distribution of the puma (Puma concolor) in Brazil and its relationship with land use and cover. Puma (Puma concolor) records were generated from an online dataset, including the OIAA ONÇA project. The data were analyzed using the RStudio statistical program, and to compare puma records over the years across different regions of Brazil, generalized linear models (GLM) were created. To understand the spatial distribution of puma sightings, mapping was conducted based on the obtained records. According to the analyses, pumas are present in all regions of Brazil, with a total of 460 sightings, rescues, or roadkill incidents from 2016 to 2021. There is variation in their presence in different types of land use and cover in Brazil, with non-vegetated areas being the most inhabited. It is important to understand these habitat variations to develop effective conservation strategies aimed at ensuring the continuous survival of pumas amid a constantly changing scenario, as non-vegetated areas pose a threat to their species' survival.