International Journal of Conservation Science Wildlife Conservation, Perceptions of Different Co-Existing Cultures (original) (raw)
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WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, PERCEPTIONS OF DIFFERENT CO-EXISTING CULTURES
Different cultures have different relationships with nature, and these relationships have many dimensions which shape people's perceptions towards nature. Therefore, perceptions may vary between different cultures within the same territories. Understanding each culture´s relationship with the surrounding environment is of extreme importance for the correct allocation of conservation resources, and for the development of efficient conservation actions. In this study, we discuss the perceptions of two different cultures regarding large and mediumsized mammal conservation in an endangered region of Argentina, called the Dry Chaco. These two cultures are peasants, or Criollos, and the indigenous Wichís; we assessed and compared their perceptions on local extinctions, conservation problems, conflicts with wildlife and possible solutions for these issues. We found that although both cultures inhabit the same territory and report local extinctions, their perceptions on which species were locally extinct differed. Another difference was the perceived time-period in which disappearances occurred. We also found that most respondents recognize conservation problems and possible solutions, although these differ between both cultures. Management for conservation of these species should be specific to each culture, and understanding local perspectives allows the inclusion of a broader view of human needs, perceptions and knowledge in conservation programs. M. CAMINO et al. INT J CONSERV SCI 7, 1, JAN-MAR 2016: 109-122 110
Relations with wildlife of Wichi and Criollo people of the Dry Chaco, a conservation perspective
Relations with wildlife of Wichi and Criollo people of the Dry Chaco, a conservation perspective, 2018
Indigenous Wichís and mestizos Criollos inhabit a rural, biodiversity rich, area of the Argentinean Dry Chaco. Traditionally, Wichís were nomads and their relations with wildlife were shaped by animistic and shamanic beliefs. Today, Wichís live in stable communities and practice subsistence hunting, gathering and in some cases, fishing. Criollos are mestizos, i.e. a mixture of the first Spanish settlers and different indigenous groups. They arrived during the 20th century from neighbouring Provinces. They practice extensive ranching, hunting and gathering. Our aim was to help develop effective and legitimate actions to conserve wildlife species in this region, focused on Wichísánd Criollos´perceptionsCriollos´perceptions of and relations with wildlife. We conducted semistructured interviews (N=105) in rural settlements. We found differences in both groups´huntinggroups´hunting techniques, drivers and perceptions on the importance of wild meat for nutrition. However, both groups have a close relation with wildlife, they use wild animals in a variety of ways, including as food resource, medicine and predictors of future events. Wichís and Criollos also relate with wildlife in a spiritual dimension, have animistic and shamanic beliefs and have unique traditional ecological knowledge. Hunters in both communities are breaking traditional hunting norms but conservation measures grounded on these norms have a higher probability of success. Management recommendations include developing programmes focused on (i) conserving thin armadillos; (ii) conserving pregnant and breeding females of all species; (iii) managing dogs to avoid unnecessary killings and on (iv) improving local livelihoods. We also provide recommendations that are specific for each group.
Factors Underlying the Interactions Between People and Wildlife in the Argentine Chaco
2005
I assessed major factors influencing the interactions between the mestizo community and wildlife of the Impenetrable, in the Argentine Chaco, and the ways in which these interactions are influenced by the larger economic and political context. I used a mixed qualitative and quantitative methods approach, between 2001 and 2005. I found that wildlife represented an important food source, especially for the poorer rural households. The importance of wild meat varied across the community and region, in relation to the socioeconomic characteristics of households, village size, forest condition, season, species biology, and cultural preferences. Some species used by local people, primarily whitelipped and Chacoan peccaries, and jaguar, were in decline and their range had been reduced by habitat destruction and overhunting, especially in the humid sub-region. These species persisted in areas of low human density, low hunting pressure and scarce development. Harvest of peccaries for food was unsustainable. Characteristics of the resource and of the community explained the lack of incentives for community-based management of peccaries. The resource was too large in relation to the local technology and the community's institutional capacities were scarcely developed. Changes in property right regimes also influenced people-wildlife interactions and were related with species mobility. Acquisition of land title by peasants did not reduce overexploitation of highly mobile resources such as peccaries, which continued to be hunted as open access resources. The national economic collapse of 2001 had a strong influence in the region. Hunting by villagers increased as a result of growing unemployment, whereas peasants reduced their hunting and turned to forest exploitation. Acquisition of land title by nonlocals and intensification of ranching and forest exploitation subsequently increased, thereby affecting the livelihoods of local peasants by reducing grazing areas and affecting wildlife by reducing habitat. This study shows how people-wildlife interactions are complex and dynamic, and indicates that conservation measures are unlikely to succeed without considering the biological, cultural, socioeconomic , and political factors involved. External factors require especial consideration. In this case, a national change in economic policy produced a local change in land use that is jeopardizing the peasants culture and the region's biodiversity.
2005
I assessed major factors influencing the interactions between the mestizo community and wildlife of the Impenetrable, in the Argentine Chaco, and the ways in which these interactions are influenced by the larger economic and political context. I used a mixed qualitative and quantitative methods approach, between 2001 and 2005. I found that wildlife represented an important food source, especially for the poorer rural households. The importance of wild meat varied across the community and region, in relation to the socioeconomic characteristics of households, village size, forest condition, season, species biology, and cultural preferences. Some species used by local people, primarily whitelipped and Chacoan peccaries, and jaguar, were in decline and their range had been reduced by habitat destruction and overhunting, especially in the humid sub-region. These species persisted in areas of low human density, low hunting pressure and scarce development. Harvest of peccaries for food was unsustainable. Characteristics of the resource and of the community explained the lack of incentives for community-based management of peccaries. The resource was too large in relation to the local technology and the community's institutional capacities were scarcely developed. Changes in property right regimes also influenced people-wildlife interactions and were related with species mobility. Acquisition of land title by peasants did not reduce overexploitation of highly mobile resources such as peccaries, which continued to be hunted as open access resources. The national economic collapse of 2001 had a strong influence in the region. Hunting by villagers increased as a result of growing unemployment, whereas peasants reduced their hunting and turned to forest exploitation. Acquisition of land title by nonlocals and intensification of ranching and forest exploitation subsequently increased, thereby affecting the livelihoods of local peasants by reducing grazing areas and affecting wildlife by reducing habitat. This study shows how people-wildlife interactions are complex and dynamic, and indicates that conservation measures are unlikely to succeed without considering the biological, cultural, socioeconomic , and political factors involved. External factors require especial consideration. In this case, a national change in economic policy produced a local change in land use that is jeopardizing the peasants culture and the region's biodiversity.
Journal of Arid Environments, 2017
Land use changes in the South American Gran Chaco affect native fauna and the ecosystem services (ES) they provide. The consequences of defaunation and the empty forest syndrome have been identified in tropical and subtropical forests, including the Gran Chaco. Local knowledge regarding native species and the provision of ES can be integrated with scientific research for a better understanding of the system and the consequences of species loss. The aim of this study was to explore whether the Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) use six distinct natural and modified habitat types available in the arid Chaco, their role as seed dispersers, and the rural community's perception. We found that the Pampas fox used all habitat types except intensive annual cropland, while the collared peccary used only primary forest within a protected area. Both species exhibited a highly frugivorous diet and were seed dispersers of several native plant species. Interviewees hunted both species; they perceived the Pampas fox as a pest and the collared peccary as a source of food or income. The campesino's perception and involvement is essential for the conservation of the Chacoan forest and the ES provided.
Community attitudes towards wildlife management in the Bolivian Chaco
Oryx, 2001
The process of community wildlife management in the Izozog area of the Bolivian Chaco began with participatory ®eld research ± self-monitoring of hunting activities and research on key game species. On-going discussions in community meetings have elicited seven wildlife management recommendations:
Wildlife in the life of local people of the semi-arid Argentine Chaco
Biodiversity and Conservation, 2006
The semi-arid Argentine Chaco is inhabited by mestizo people, who live on an economy of subsistence based on the use of natural resources and livestock ranching. I investigated the dietary and economic importance of wildlife for local people. Through interviews and participant observation, I found that wildlife is used primarily as food, providing about a third of the total meat consumed by local peasants. Local people use at least 26 species of wildlife although they concentrate on few species. Small species, Chacoan cavies and armadillos, are consumed most, representing 48% of the total wild meat consumed. Consumption of wild meat follows seasonal patterns determined by hunting methods, preferences for meat quality and species activity patterns. The consumptive value of wild meat is high in comparison with wages, but lower in comparison with forest exploitation. Illegal commercialization of wildlife is practiced mainly by villagers and by outsiders and it affects endangered species. Patterns of use of wildlife by local people differ from other Latin American groups in terms of the range of species hunted and the role that hunting plays in local people’ livelihoods. The first steps towards conservation of this increasingly threatened region should involve decreasing hunting by local people of the more vulnerable species and controlling all illegal commercial hunting.
Abstract Conservation conflicts can arise in biosphere reserves when local people face restrictions on resource use and access, mainly in terms of subsistence. We studied the potential conservation conflict with subsistence hunting in two Maya communities (Los Petenes and El Remate) located in the zone of influence of Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Perceptions, interests and expectations of stakeholders regarding subsistence hunting in the reserve were recorded through semi-structured and in-depth interviews of peasant-hunters and reserve authorities, and participant observation was carried out in both communities. A total of 66 peasant-hunters were identified in Los Petenes (62%) and El Remate (38%). Overall, peasant-hunters acknowledged hunting for family subsistence and expressed the conviction to continue hunting in the region. They mentioned their enthusiasm for hunting, mainly individually and aimed at obtaining white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and perceived a recent reduction in potential prey locally. Although the law in Mexico does not prohibit subsistence hunting, external authorities stated that they have announced a generalized ban on hunting based on the precautionary principle to simplify enforcement both inside and outside the reserve. The de facto restriction on wildlife use, even for subsistence purposes, which was mentioned by external actors, conflicted with the local need and expectation of the contemporary Maya hunters to continue subsistence hunting in the region. Our study confirms the existence of a conservation conflict associated with this traditional practice in the reserve and provides necessary information for managing such conflict. Resumen En reservas de la biósfera, los conflictos de conservación pueden emerger cuando las poblaciones locales enfrentan restricciones de uso y acceso a sus recursos, principalmente de subsistencia. Para explorar esto, estudiamos el conflicto de conservación potencialmente asociado a la cacería de subsistencia en dos comunidades mayas (Los Petenes y El Remate) ubicadas en la zona de influencia de la Reserva de la Biósfera Los Petenes, México. Las percepciones y expectativas de los actores locales sobre la cacería de subsistencia, fueron registradas a través de entrevistas semi-estructuradas y a profundidad aplicadas a campesinos-cazadores y autoridades de la reserva, realizando observación participante en cada comunidad. Un total de 66 campesinos-cazadores fueron reconocidos en Los Petenes (62%) y en El Remate (38%). Ellos expresaron su gusto por la cacería, principalmente individual y orientada a la obtención de venado cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus), percibiendo una disminución reciente de presas potenciales a nivel local. A pesar de que la cacería de subsistencia no está prohibida por ley en México, las autoridades externas han difundido, con base en el principio precautorio, que la cacería en general está prohibida para facilitar su control dentro y fuera del área protegida. Esta restricción de facto sobre el uso de fauna silvestre, aún con fines de subsistencia, contrasta con la necesidad y expectativa del cazador maya contemporáneo de continuar practicando la cacería de subsistencia regionalmente. Nuestro estudio confirma el conflicto de conservación asociado a esta práctica tradicional en el ámbito de la reserva y aporta información necesaria para manejar tal conflicto.
Ethnobiology and Conservation, 2021
Human and wildlife conflicts pose conservation challenges for several charismatic species worldwide. Given their close and long-standing interactions with wildlife, indigenous communities set an interesting framework to identify factors establishing these relationships. The first step is to account the perceptions and symbolisms of indigenous communities to define and complement conservation efforts. We used multi-temporal and multi-criteria analyses to assess species habitat suitability of the jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), and coyote (Canis latrans), and quantified the overlap with the Mixtec and Zapotec indigenous territories in Oaxaca, located in southern Mexico. We observed a positive and proactive relationship between indigenous communities' self-identification and a high species habitat suitability for the conservation of these large carnivores in the Sierra Norte, Sierra Sur, Coastal, and Mixtec regions. Given that most of these areas occur outside natural protected areas, the inclusion of indigenous communities in the management of their territory is crucial for preserving their ethnocentric vision and ensuring long-term conservation of these charismatic top predator species and their habitat.
Feelings, conflicts, and use: wildlife-human interactions in El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 2023
Human activities are one of the most critical threats to wildlife. Therefore, understanding human-wildlife interactions is key to designing and applying sound conservation strategies. We identified wild animals relevant for people in El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, southern Mexico considering four types of interactions: Use, affect (either positive or negative), and conflict. Twenty-eight workshops and 670 wildlife-human experiences with 58 taxa were recorded. The most relevant species were Odocoileus virginianus, Tapirus bairdii, Panthera onca, Pharomachrus mocinno, and Bothriechis bicolor. Positive affect was the most frequent interaction reported (46%), followed by use (20%), conflict (17%), and negative affect (16%). Negative affect and conflicts were mainly related to fear and damage by native predators. Species use was relatively infrequent (20%). We propose that conservation strategies be directed according to the species and their specific interactions.