No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveJaguar attacks take out livestock in northern Costa Rica

Jaguar attacks take out livestock in northern Costa Rica

Parts of Guatuso and Alajuela, in north-central Costa Rica, are on alert this week after a series of jaguar attacks left 10 farm animals dead.

The daily La Nación reported that Environment Ministry (MINAE) officials are now in the area. The officials verified that the attacks are due to one or multiple jaguars in the area, and have released a list of recommendations for farmers to protect their animals.

MINAE told farmers not to harm the endangered jaguars while they search for a solution. This week officials set up motion-activated cameras to determine from where the cats are coming and how to protect cattle.

Costa Rica historically has had problems with jaguar and farmer conflicts. The felines require a territory of 40 square miles of forest, an area that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. The destruction of their natural habitat combined with illegal hunting of their primary food sources has driven some jaguars onto farms to hunt cattle for food.

The encounters often result in farmers illegally killing the big cats in order to protect their herds.  In June, photos of two farmers posing with a jaguar pelt went viral, alarming the Costa Rican animal rights community. MINAE and nonprofit jaguar protection groups are now devising ways to help farmers safeguard their livestock, while also preserving the lives of the endangered cat species.

According to Daniel Corrales, head of Costa Rica’s farmer-jaguar cohabitation project Panthera, farmers have a number of options that don’t involve killing the jaguar.

“Our project teaches farms how to make simple changes to deter cats,” Corrales told The Tico Times. “Sometimes all it takes is moving the cows closer to the farmer’s home or building a fence.”

Trending Now

New Poison Dart Frog Species Discovered in Peru’s Amazon

Peruvian researchers have identified a new poison dart frog in the Amazon rainforest, adding to the region's rich array of wildlife. The tiny creature,...

Celebrate 128 Years of Costa Rica’s National Theater

The National Theater turns 128 this month, and starting Sunday, October 12, it opens its doors for a week of events that mix music,...

Costa Rica Updates National ID Card with Enhanced Security Features

Costa Rica's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) rolled out a redesigned physical identity card today. The update focuses on better protection against fraud while keeping...

Costa Rica’s Hyatt Centric Escazú Finalist in GRI Awards

Costa Rica's hotel scene keeps building momentum on the global stage. The Hyatt Centric San José Escazú stands out as a finalist for Best...

Costa Rica Women’s National Team Coach Steps Down Amid World Cup Push

The Costa Rican Soccer Federation dropped a major update this week: Spanish coach Beni Rubido is stepping down from his role with the women's...

Costa Rica’s FIFCO Sells Operations to Heineken After Vote

Shareholders of Costa Rica's Florida Ice and Farm Company, known as FIFCO, gave the green light on to sell most of their food, beverage,...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica