Temporal activity patterns of tourists and pumas Puma concolor in public areas in the Patagonia National Park, Chile

Abstract

The presence of humans and large carnivores in shared landscapes presents unique challenges for wildlife conservation and management. This study explores the temporal activity patterns of tourists and pumas Puma concolor using camera traps to understand the potential for encounters between the two groups in Patagonia National Park, Chile. The park, characterized by a cold temperate climate with diverse wildlife and vegetation, spans over 304 527 hectares. Data collected from August 2020 to March 2022 reveal distinct activity patterns for pumas and tourists, with pumas being primarily nocturnal and tourists being more active during the day. Despite a low overall overlap coefficient (Dhat = 0.27), specific periods during twilight hours showed increased interaction potential. Seasonal variations revealed a significant increase in overlap during the autumn of 2021, with stable overlap patterns observed both before and after this period. Seasonal variations in activity patterns highlight the need for adaptive management strategies for human–puma interactions. These findings underscore the importance of enforcing park regulations, promoting responsible tourism practices, and implementing specific behavioral protocols to ensure the safety of both tourists and pumas in protected areas. This study provides valuable insights for enhancing conservation efforts in the face of increasing wildlife‐watching tourism worldwide.