Atlantic Forest's top predator faces a hidden collapse, and protected areas are no longer enough

Atlantic Forest's top predator faces a hidden collapse, and protected areas are no longer enough

In addition to habitat loss and illegal hunting, the jaguar (Panthera onca) faces another threat that increases its risk of extinction in the South American Atlantic Forest: food scarcity. A study by Brazilian researchers has found that the availability of jaguar prey is reduced, even in the protected areas of the biome, which covers approximately 15% of Brazil and extends across 17 states in the South, Southeast, and Northeast regions, as well …

Why is jaguar food collapsing in Atlantic Forest?

Jaguar risk rises beyond habitat loss Researchers warn that the jaguar, the Atlantic Forest’s top predator, faces a “hidden collapse” tied to food availability. The Atlantic Forest already suffers from habitat loss and illegal hunting, but the new concern is that prey populations may be declining…