The El Potrero Reserve confirmed the presence of a puma (Puma concolor) in its territory after several months of monitoring using camera traps and field surveys.
Although the species is part of the native fauna of Entre Ríos, its presence has been rarely documented in recent decades. Until recently, the information available for the southeastern part of the province was based mainly on occasional sightings by farmworkers and local residents. The records obtained at the Reserve now provide concrete evidence of the current presence of this big cat in the region.
The first record was obtained using camera traps installed as part of the wildlife monitoring programs carried out in the Reserve. The images documented an adult specimen moving through different areas of the Reserve.
Far from being an isolated finding, the following months yielded new information. Through camera traps, footprints, and other traces, it was possible to record the animal again at different locations within the Reserve. A distinctive feature—a visible scar on one of its hind legs—allowed researchers to confirm that several of the records corresponded to the same individual.
The fact that the puma was recorded for four consecutive months indicates that it uses the Reserve’s territory on a regular basis, providing valuable information about the species’ presence in this part of Entre Ríos.
In May, one of the camera traps also captured a particularly significant sequence in which the animal remained in front of the camera for several seconds, displaying relaxed behavior. In June, tracks and other signs continued to appear, allowing for a better understanding of the habitats used by the feline within the monitored area.
The presence of the puma is of enormous ecological importance. As an apex predator, it plays a fundamental role in the natural regulation of prey populations and contributes to the balance of ecosystems. Its presence is often associated with habitats that retain a significant portion of their ecological processes.
The sighting also holds scientific significance. In June 2026, an article was published in the journal Acta Zoológica Lilloana, authored by Norberto Muzzachiodi in collaboration with Daniel Ávalo, which compiles the information obtained through monitoring conducted in the El Potrero Reserve. The study constitutes a new documented record for a species whose presence remains rare in the region.
The confirmation of this record represents encouraging news for the conservation of biodiversity in Entre Ríos and reinforces the importance of sustaining