International Puma Day

The puma is present throughout the Americas and in mainland Chile, being the largest carnivore inhabiting our country. It is found in mountain ranges, native forests and planted pine forests, steppe, scrubland, and pampas.

There are several subspecies, and the one found in Chile is the Puma concolor puma, one of our native species.

Its survival has been threatened by the progressive loss of its habitat, poaching, and attacks by dogs.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the puma is listed as Least Concern (LT), indicating a declining population worldwide. Therefore, it could become an endangered species in the near future.

Puma conservation is crucial for biodiversity. Pumas are apex predators, and their role is vital for maintaining ecosystem balance. They regulate populations of invasive species, such as wild boar, and the remains of their prey serve as food for other species, like the Andean condor.

The puma also inhabits the Meullín-Puye Nature Sanctuary, where its presence has been detected using camera traps. This is another sign of the healthy state of the ecosystems in this protected area.