# Effectiveness of Non-Invasive Methods in Studying Jaguar (Panthera onca) Hair

## TL;DR

This study developed a non-invasive method to collect jaguar hair using synthetic mats, enabling genetic and environmental analyses without disturbing the animals.

## Contribution

The study introduces a validated passive method for collecting and analyzing jaguar hair samples in the wild.

## Key findings

- Synthetic fiber mats successfully collected well-preserved jaguar hair samples.
- Genetic, isotopic, and heavy metal analyses were successfully conducted on collected hairs.
- The method proved effective for non-invasive research and conservation monitoring.

## Abstract

This study developed an innovative and non-invasive method to collect hair samples from wild jaguars for scientific research. Instead of capturing the animals, synthetic fiber mats were placed in strategic locations in the Pantanal, where jaguars frequently passed. Camera traps monitored the sites and recorded hair collection over 30 days. The collected hairs were analyzed for genetics, sex identification, heavy metals, and stable isotopes. The results confirmed that the samples were well preserved, allowing all tests to be conducted successfully without disturbing the animals. This technique is an efficient and less stressful way to study jaguars, supporting conservation efforts and monitoring environmental impacts, such as heavy metal pollution.

Mammalian hair is a source of biological information and can be used in genetic, toxicological, hormonal, and ecological studies. However, non-invasive collection methods are still little explored. This study aimed to describe and validate a passive methodology for collecting hair from jaguars (Panthera onca) and evaluate its viability for different analyses. This study was conducted in the Northern Pantanal, where synthetic fiber mats were installed in strategic locations to passively capture hair. The presence of animals and the collection of samples were monitored by camera traps over a period of 30 days. The collected samples were subjected to morphological analyses by electron microscopy, molecular tests for genetic and sex identification, and isotopic and heavy metal analyses. The results showed that the collected hairs were well preserved, allowing the structural and molecular identification of the material. The analyses confirmed the viability of DNA for genetic studies and revealed specific concentrations of heavy metals and stable isotopes. The proposed methodology proved to be effective and is a promising alternative for obtaining samples without directly interfering with the behavior of the animals.