Spatial characterization of human-puma interactions in social-ecological land systems of Argentina

Abstract

Interactions between humans and carnivores are widespread and shaped by diverse social-ecological factors. In Argentina, interactions with pumas (Puma concolor) primarily involve livestock depredation and hunting. Since both interaction types are threatening the coexistence between humans and pumas, understanding their spatial patterns is essential for promoting sustainable coexistence. We identified 90 interaction locations (51 depredation, 39 hunting) from online news and literature (2017–2022) and analyzed spatial social-ecological variables influencing these interactions using generalized linear models. Depredation interactions were associated with lower cattle density, higher human population density, and increased agriculture, while hunting interactions were linked to a higher number of settlements and greater small-livestock density. Within Social-Ecological Land Systems (SELS), these interactions occurred predominantly in “urbanized large-scale agricultural plains” and “low-diversity cold and temperate grassy rangelands”. These findings advance the understanding of interaction dynamics in socially and ecologically complex landscapes, highlighting the need for targeted policies for different regions.