pumas in patagonia
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Puma Tracking in Patagonia

Pumas in Patagonia

The Puma is the largest big cat in Patagonia They are greatest in number in the eastern areas of Torres del Paine where there are less number of people, so the area is perfect for tracking programs to learn more about this amazing animal. But first, some geneneral facts about this feline.

 

Pumas: general facts

The Puma, also commonly known as the mountain lion, puma, cougar or panther is a large felid of the subfamily Felinae native to the Americas. Puma is the largest of the small cat species. It´s an amazing animal, with a lifespan in the wild is between 8  and 15 years and in captivity can reach 20 years.

 

Puma:  Basic Information

Names: Puma, Leon Americano, Cauchero, Cougar, Mountain Lion
Scientific Name: Felis Concolor Patagonica
Family: Felidae
Order: Carnivorous
Size: From 1.8 meters to 2.4 meters, from head to tail.
Weight: Female 50kg; male 80kg.

 

Pumas: Size

Adult males grow up to 2.4 meters long and females average  is 1.8 – 2.2 meters. Males typically weigh 50 to 82 kilograms and the female 36 to 59 kilograms. The pumas are the second heaviest cat in the Americas, after the jaguar and and the fourth heaviest in the world after the tiger, lion and jaguar.

Pumas are powerfully built, with large paws and sharp claws. Their hind legs are larger and more muscular than their front legs to give them great jumping power. Pumas can run up to 80 km/h  and jump as high as 4.6 meters.

 

The Puma, infographic

 

 

Pumas are solitary animals, only generally travelling in groups as females with cubs. Males are territorial, but share their territory  with at least one female. Pumas are largely nocturnal but do get out and about during the day as well, covering a wide territory. They mostly feed on guanacos, maras, small rodents and deer, and occasionally attack domestic livestock and sheep.

 

The Puma: Reproduction

They breed in Spring after a 90 to 96-day gestation period and give birth from 1 to 6 cubs, blind and weighing about half a kilo. At 14 days approximately the young open their eyes. At 45 days they weigh 5 kilos and start eating meat while still being breastfed until they are 3 months old. At 8 months they weigh 20 kilos and continue under the care of their mother until age 2.

 

Where to find Pumas?

This subspecies is found in Aysen and Magallanes. They dwell in a variety of habitats from dense forest to steppe, including rocky and shrubby areas. The Puma is not present in the Big island of Tierra del fuego, making it a perfect breeding ground for the Guanaco, it’s natural prey.

Although pumas can be found throughout Patagonia, there is an exceptionally high number of these felines in the south of Chile, in Torres del Paine National Park and surroundings areas. This is largely due to the large supply of guanacos in the Patagonian steppe, and also the additional protection from hunting and tracking that pumas have received in the national park and surrounding areas over recent years.

 

 

Rio Serrano, Torres del Paine-01

 

 

Puma Tracking in Patagonia

Embark on a purr-fectly epic adventure with our wildlife tracking professionals to track and observe Torres del Paine’s top predator, the Patagonian puma, in its natural habitat. Paired with cozy nights at the EcoCamp and getting up close and personal with spectacular flora and fauna, this trip is a must for wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike. Check more information here.

 

Puma Tracking Tour in Patagonia

Day 1: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
Your day will begin at Punta Arenas Airport. From the airport, you will be taken to EcoCamp Patagonia, where a hearty lunch will be provided in our Community Domes. The first activity of your Patagonian adventure will then begin at midday with a leisurely tour of the National Park, giving you plenty of opportunities to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon.

Days 2, 3, 4 & 5: Wildlife exploration in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
We start off each day early, observing the sunrise from distinct locations while enjoying hot coffee and breakfast on the go. Our puma/cougar tracking team, already hard at work, will be in radio contact to let us know how they’re doing. Throughout the trip, they will be letting us know the location of the park’s most elusive animals including the Andean puma (mountain lion) so that we can head to the sites where they are as soon as they’re spotted. For photography buffs, the wildlife and landscapes we’ll see over the next few days offer prime targets for taking pictures.

We will usually begin our wildlife exploration close to EcoCamp, in the park’s eastern sector, making the most of the beautiful morning light and animal activity. We enjoy around six hours of wildlife observation, studying and taking pictures of the park’s native flora & fauna, before heading back to EcoCamp for lunch and relaxation time.

In the afternoons, after the peak sun hours with little animal movement, we head out again, this time to the park’s western sector where we enjoy all the beautiful landscapes and flora & fauna. We visit landmark places such as Grey Glacier and other striking natural monuments. Our guide takes us through the different habitats and ecosystems in the area, introducing us to the unique and colorfulwildlife of Torres del Paine and teaching us the methodology for responsible wildlife observation. After enjoying the iconic Patagonian sunset over the Paine massif we return to EcoCamp for dinner and well-earned rest.

Day 6: Departure: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
Your last day will begin just as all your other activity-packed days will begin: with an early, hearty breakfast served amongst your fellow wildlife lovers in our Community Domes. From there, you will embark on a short day of activities before regrouping at EcoCamp for a well-deserved lunch. You will then be taken to Punta Arenas airport, where you will arrive late in the evening.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

 

 

Puma Tracking Tour: Details and conditions

Starting / finishing point
The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales. All flights should arrive before 9:30 AM on the first day. All onward flights should leave after 8 PM on the last day. If you’d like to start or end your trip in El Calafate (Argentina), please ask your travel expert.

Physical demands
The easy trip options do not demand extensive physical activity, other than walking a maximum of two consecutive hours over fairly flat terrain. We stop as many times as necessary depending on the rhythm of the group. Travelers doing the active excursions will find them more energetic and to enjoy these more active treks it is essential to be in shape before arriving. All trails visited in the programs are under 1,000m / 3,000ft high so passengers don’t need to worry about altitude.

Itinerary modifications
The weather in Patagonia can be difficult at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate any part of the itinerary according to these considerations.

Transport
In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia, transportation is in minivans that seat from 8 to 14 people. Pick-up/drop-off times shown in the Weekly Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed by our local operations team. An exclusive toll-free emergency number will be available for anyone needing additional support while they are in Chile.

Weather
The Patagonian Andes are exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the Southern Patagonia Icefield make the weather hard to predict.

The temperature in winter ranges between -2ºC (28ºF) and 6ºC (43ºF). June, July, and August are the wettest months in Torres del Paine and sub-zero temperatures are common. Nevertheless, the wind is relatively mild in winter. Just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become lovely and sunny so come prepared for all types of weather!

 

For more information, contact us at info@ripioturismo.com 

 

Thank you!

 

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