Preliminary inventory of a preserved Brazilian coastal Atlantic Forest reveals the absence of the top predator

Abstract The Atlantic Forest, a global conservation priority, faces critical threats from habitat loss. Fauna was surveyed in the Juréia-Itatins Ecological Station (EEJI), one of the last preserved reserves of the Brazilian coastal Atlantic Forest. From December 2021 to February 2022, 28 camera traps were deployed across EEJI to document local wildlife. A total of 26 species, including medium and large vertebrates, were recorded, with no domestic or invasive species. Although ample prey for the jaguar ( Panthera onca ) was documented, the apex predator itself was notably absent. These findings affirm EEJI’s conservation value and suggest the potential for jaguar reintroduction as a focus for future conservation efforts.