Citizen science applied on puma distribution monitoring in Brazil.

The increase in human activities worldwide expands with changes in land use and cover, causing shifts in ecosystems and species distribution. Environmental bioindicators are essential for indicating the magnitude of impact on a given ecosystem. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the geographical distribution of the cougar ( Puma concolor ) in Brazil and its relationship with land use and cover. Cougar ( Puma concolor ) records were generated from an online dataset; these were analysed to compare cougar records over the years across Brazil's regions. Mapping was performed using records obtained through citizen science. The analyses revealed that cougars are present in all regions of Brazil. Through media information sharing, a total of 460 records of sightings, rescues, or roadkill were observed from 2016 to 2021. Additionally, it was noted that there is a variation in the presence of this animal in different types of land use and cover in Brazil, with non-vegetated areas having the most cougar records, and bodies of water having the fewest. Understanding these habitat variations is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies aimed at ensuring the continuous survival of cougars amidst a constantly changing landscape, as non-vegetated areas pose a risk to their survival.