Are pumas putting Patagonian penguins at risk?

Puma populations are reclaiming their historical range in the Patagonian steppe but that recovery comes with new consequences. As pumas encounter defenceless prey, Magellanic penguin colonies are feeling the impact.

Over a four-year study, researchers estimate over 7,000 adult penguins were killed. While puma predation alone is unlikely to cause extinction, models show predation can slow colony growth, especially when penguin reproduction and juvenile survival are already low.

Ongoing monitoring of seabird colonies is critical to avoid tipping points.

Read the paper published in the Journal of Nature Conservation, led by Diploma alum Melisa Lera.