Supplementary file 1_Strong trophic specialization on guanaco within the native prey community -DNA metabarcoding of puma diet in Torres del Paine, Patagonia.docx

Temporally matched camera-trap data showed that guanaco accounted for approximately 5% of independent detections during the scat-sampling months, whereas it occurred in more than two-thirds of the sampled scats; however, camera-trap detections were interpreted as an index of relative occurrence rather than true prey availability. DNA metabarcoding also detected several low-frequency native vertebrate taxa, including Conepatus chinga, Rhea pennata, and Geranoaetus melanoleucus.

Overall, the results show that the native vertebrate prey detected in the sampled puma scats was strongly concentrated on guanaco during the study period, while additional native taxa occurred at comparatively low frequencies. By combining vertebrate DNA metabarcoding with temporally matched camera-trap occurrence data, this study provides a molecular baseline for future investigations of spatial and temporal variation in puma diet and predator–prey relationships in Patagonia.</p>