Title
Effects of Human Disturbance on Occurrrence Patterns and Behavior of Ungulates in Eastern Ecuador.
Author(s)
Salvador, Julia
Published
2017
Abstract
Yasuní National Park (YNP) is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world and a refuge for wildlife conservation. It is threatened by oil-related activities, road development, and hunting pressure on preferred game species. The Maxus Road (MR) in YNP has caused the intensification of hunting pressure on terrestrial mammals, such as ungulates. The road provides greater access to hunters to unexploited wildlife and to bushmeat markets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact that hunting, facilitated by roads, has on the distribution, abundance, and behavior of these species. We use presence-absence data and time-of detection data from a four-year camera trap survey to evaluate whether hunting alters the occurrence and activity patterns of ungulates with respect to distance from MR and Waorani settlements. Occurrence patterns of white-lipped and collared peccary, red brocket and brown brocket deer, and lowland tapir revealed species-specific different responses to higher hunter accessibility. Such differences were related to hunting practices of the Waorani and to ecological differences among species. White-lipped peccary and lowland tapir appeared to be the most sensitive to hunting, showing low capture rates and low probability of occurrence along road area. Hunting also seemed to alter the behavior of white-lipped peccary and red brocket deer, seen by decreased morning activity and increased nocturnal activity, respectively. These behavioral responses presumably allow avoiding encounters with hunters. Hunting facilitated by MR can influence spatial patterns, community assemblage, and behavior of terrestrial mammals. Responses to hunting vary widely among target species and further studies are needed in the Neotropic to understand species-specific behaviors and their consequences at population level. Knowing the synergistic effects of roads and hunting on the different species of animals will facilitate the creation of strategies for the management and conservation of the local wildlife.
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PUB26855