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We investigated the distribution, habitat characteristics and conservation value of mating areas in a wild population of guanacos in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. Copulating guanacos were observed directly during December–January 1994–1995, 1995–1996 and 1997–1998. The timing of the breeding season was homogeneous across years. Copulation sites occurred in vega (ephemeral wetland) habitats (48.6%) greater than expected based on their relative availability (12.6%). A multivariate habitat analysis revealed that habitat composition of breeding habitats differed significantly from non-breeding areas (P <0.001). Availability of trees and shrubs (breeding=5.5%; non-breeding=35.6%; P <0.001) and grassland (breeding=34.6%; non-breeding=9.5%; P <0.001) contributed most to the variation in habitat types among areas. Relative occurrence of pumas was significantly lower in breeding areas (P=0.04). The spatial arrangement of mating sites was similar among years suggesting that adult female and male guanacos exhibited site fidelity to breeding sites. Since vegas were important habitats for mating it is critical that natural resource managers consider the importance of these ephemeral wetland resources to ensure for proper reproduction and viability of local guanaco populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Predator tourism is one strategy to improve tolerance for predators, and support biodiversity and ecosystem health. Torres del Paine National Park (TdP) – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in southern Chile - supports productive livestock industries and nascent puma tourism. We compared interviews conducted in the region prior to puma tourism, with results from interviews collected across 45 ranches post-puma tourism. We assessed rancher attitudes regarding pumas, puma-livestock conflict, puma tourism, and linked them with socio-ecological factors. Respondents who viewed pumas as a threat experienced higher livestock losses. Respondents who reported higher sheep losses were inclined to support the lethal removal of livestock-killing pumas, and to initiate a puma hunt, whereas respondents who supported puma tourism disagreed with hunting pumas. Using the Potential for Conflict Index, we found that participants exhibited the highest consensus on the benefit of puma tourism and the lowest consensus over lethal removal of pumas. Our results suggest predator tourism has increased tolerance for pumas but is creating new potential for conflict. Previous to puma tourism, ranchers were almost entirely negative about pumas and unanimously supported illegal puma hunting. Now, most believe that pumas are part of Patagonia's heritage. This divide was best explained by distance to TdP: ranches closer to TdP experienced greater losses to pumas but had neighbours that benefitted most from puma tourism. Therefore, we suggest that tourism revenues supplement community compensation insurance programs that reimburse rancher losses to pumas to mitigate the growing divide between those benefiting from pumas and those experiencing economic hardship. • Predator tourism has increased tolerance for pumas, but is creating new potential for conflict among ranchers. • Respondents who reported higher sheep losses were inclined to support the lethal control of livestock-killing pumas. • Respondents who supported puma tourism disagreed with hunting pumas. • Ranches closer to the National Park benefitted most from puma tourism but had neighbours that suffered the greatest costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]