The Ecological and Cultural Importance of Pantera ocna OUTLINE

This topic submitted by Sally Plichta ( plichtsj@muohio.edu) at 11:09 PM on 3/31/08.

This foursome explored Lighthouse Cave on San Salvador, Bahamas. See other beautiful phenomena from the Bahamas.

Tropical Field Courses -Interdisciplinary Studies-Miami University

I plan on discussing the importance of one of Costa Rica's largest predators for the ecosystem and the culture of Costa Rica in general. I will begin with a brief history of the jaguar including some major interactions with humans in the past. Their behavior, environment, and ecological relationships with other animals within the tropical rainforest ecosystem will be next followed by a discussion of the importance of jaguars, specifically focusing on Costa Rican importance. Finally, I will discuss some of the major interactions with humans and there potential effect on the species and the ecosystem in general.

I feel that this is an important topic because jaguars are such a major predator in Costa Rica. The successes and failures of this species can have devastating repercussions. I hope that my research and discussion will help spread awareness to this important topic.

I) INTRODUCTION:
A.) habitat, ecosystem, range
B.) history of jaguar (Costa Rican focus)

II.) BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY
A.) Mating
B.) Predation/ prey

III.) IMPORTANCE FOR COSTA RICA
A.) endangered species (population statistics, human interactions, protection, etc.)
B.) stability of rainforest ecosystem

IV.) SPECIFIC HUMAN INTERACTIONS
A.) native civilization importance (cultural role)
B.) ecotourism
C.) illegal hunting/ black market trade

FUTURE THREATS:
A.) further human interactions
B.) deforestation
C.) climate change

SOURCES:

Chetkiewicz, Cheryl-Lesley B., Medellin, Rodrigo A., Rabinowitz, Alan R., Redford, Kent H., Robinson, Jon G., Sanderson, Eric W., & Taber, Andrew B. ÒPlanning to Save a Species: the Jaguar as a Model.Ó Conservation in Practice, 16.1 (2002): 58-72.

Crawshaw, Peter G., Eizirik, Eduardo, Johnson, Warren E., Kim, Jae-Heup, Menotti-Raymond, Marilyn, & OÕBrien, Stephen J. ÒPhylogeography, population history and conservation genetics of jaguars (Panthera onca, Mammalia, Felidae).Ó Molecular Ecology: 10 (2001), 65-79.

Gell-Mann, Murray. The Quark and the Jaguar: Adventures in the Simple and the Complex. New York: W.H. Freeman, c1994.

Miller, Brian & Reading, Richard P. ÒEndangered animals: a reference guide to conflicting issues.Ó Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2000.

Reddish, Paul. Spirits of the jaguar : the natural history and ancient civilizations of the Caribbean and Central America. London : BBC Books, 1996.
Seymour, Kevin L. ÒPanthera onca.Ó Mammalian Species, 340 (1989): 1-9.

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