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We used remotely triggered cameras to collect data on Puma (Puma concolor) abundance and occupancy in an area of tropical forest in Brazil where the species' status is poorly known. To evaluate factors influencing puma occupancy we used data from 5 sampling campaigns in 3 consecutive years (2005 to 2007) and 2 seasons (wet and dry), at a state park and a private forest reserve. We estimated puma numbers and density for the 2007 sampling data by developing a standardized individual identification method. We based individual identification on 1) time‐stable parameters (SP; physical features that do not change over time), and 2) time‐variable parameters (VP; marks that could change over time such as scars and botfly marks). Following individual identification we established a capture‐recapture history and analyzed it using closed population capture‐mark‐recapture models. Puma capture probability …