Manejo y aprovechamiento racional del guanaco. Limitaciones y perspectivas en América Latina

PUIG, S.

Congreso; II Congreso Internacional de Gestión en Recursos Naturales; 1991

In the arid lands of South America, the guanaco can become a valuableproductive option, with a low risk of overgrazing. The harmonious relationship of use between the indians and the guanaco was lost. The subsequent and intense hunting, either for commercial or extermination purposes, determined a dangerous process of retrogression in this species. At present a new equilibrium is looked for, to guarantee theconservation of guanaco and increase productivity in marginal areas.The studies and experiences made during the last 15 years permit to evaluate limitation and prospects for managing guanacos. Currently there are 600.000 guanacos, ocuppying only 40% of the primitive distribution area. The scarce populations inhabiting the northern part of this area are in numerical regression, requiring careful protection. In the southern part, some protected populations are grO\ving, that could be ready for a rational use of guanacos. The alteration of natural habitats by man is one of the main causes of the retrogression of guanacos. Thisprocess does not receive enough attention in the planning of guanaco management. Most of the legislation in force prohibits the hunting of guanacos, but the measures applied are not sufficient. Scarcity of guards and low budgets make the control of poaching and illegal commerce difficult. Less than 10% of guanacos are inside the protected areas. The control is efficient only in some of those areas or populations understudy. Most of the studies and experiences directed to guanaco management are made up in zones of Chile or Argentina with high population density. Aspects of population dynamics, behaviour and use of resoures (space and food) are studied in wild populations. Density of guanacos and habitat quality seem to affect social organization, territoriality andseasonal movements. Food studies show the adaptability of guanaco to the envioronmental offer, and their higher efficiency compared with livestock. Capture and breeding experiences have produced good stock in semi-captivity. The rational use of guanaco is planned accord1ng to two options: programmed extraction of specinlens from a protected wild population, or breeding in semi-captivity with a semi-conventional range management. Among the marketable products meat and wool stand out, and techniques for obtention and elaboration are being improved. Theinternational market is promising, but it can be affected by strong fluctuations. In brief, it is advisable to reinforce the system of protected areas, in order to preserve the guanaco genetic variability. Among the investigations that should be given priority we can mention the study of carrying capacity for the guanaco, the health status ofpopulations, the density-dependant variations of fecundity and mortality, the desing of a joint management of guanacos and livestock, and the improvement techniques for specimen capture and product elaboration. Between the two options of production, the management of wild populations seems to be more adequate in marginal areas, and the breeding insemi-captivity is more appropriate in livestock areas with greater investment possibilities.