Successful conditioned taste aversion in jaguars

Chemical induction of a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) has been successfully tested since 1976 on a variety of predators, yet its adoption as an anti-predation tool is still undeveloped. In this paper we describe the results of the application of CTA on six captive jaguars (Panthera onca) using Thiabendazole (TBZ). Jaguars are considered endangered in Mexico but are illegally killed by ranchers in retaliatory reactions to real or perceived livestock predation. Hence, CTA could potentially provide an important tool to reduce livestock predation and protect jaguars. Between 2015 and 2016, we used TBZ in meat baits for six captive jaguars. We mixed a dose of 400 mg/kg of TBZ in a prepared bait using ground meat wrapped in the skin of selected domestic species. TBZ induced a conditioned taste aversion in all treated jaguars. Additionally, we report on two treated free-ranging known calf-killing and dog-killing jaguars who displayed a spatial avoidance after being treated. We suggest further trials be conducted in the wild with GPS collared animals. Properly applied, TBZ may become a useful tool to mitigate predator-livestock-human conflict, especially for endangered species.