Identificación del hábitat del gato de pajonal Loapardus pajeros (Desmarest, 1816), en la Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo

Abstract

This research proposes to identify the cat scrubland habitat Leopardus pajeros (Desmarest, 1816), in the Reserve of Chimborazo Fauna production in Chimborazo (RCHFP) developed in 8 ecosystems found in the area located in Northern Andes in Chimborazo, Tungurahua and Bolivar Provinces. Bibliographic and Field research techniques were used. The studies conducted about the cat scrubland were collected to determine their habitat. Besides, 21 sampling sites were taken into account within the reserve. These sites are located the altitudinal range where the cat is placed between 2000 until 4000 MASL (Meters above sea level). Subsequently, habitat conservation strategies were found which were presented at Ministry of Environment (ME). Short and biased research related to the cat scrubland were found. According to similar researches carried out in other countries said that Leopardus pajeros feed on species belonging to families as: Anatidae, Cricetidae or Ctenomyidae, but definitely there are other species within the reserve that do not necessarily belong to the above families in which cats can feed. During the field trips, it was determined that the most representative flora specie is Calamagrostis intermedia, the same which would help to mimic the cat. However, the same observed areas were found with greater or lesser degree of intervention. This possibly is causing the decrease or the disappearance of cat scrubland within the RCHPF, and the presence of feral fogs and the expansion of the agricultural and the cattle frontier. It is concluded it is necessary to strengthen alliances between communities and the Ministry of Environment, and also the need to create projects that include the ecotourism or the agrotourism as an alternative in order to obtain an economic and environmental viability.

Keywords: cat scrubland habitat, scrubland cat, wild fauna.