Combining ecological aspects and local knowledge for the conservation of two native mammals in the Gran Chaco.

PERIAGO, ME; TAMBURINI, D; OJEDA, R.; CÁCERES, D; DIAZ,S

JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS

ACADEMIC PRESS LTD-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2017 vol. 147 p. 54 - 62

0140-1963

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 intropical and subtropical forests, including the Gran Chaco. Local knowledge regarding native species andthe provision of ES can be integrated with scientific research for a better understanding of the systemand 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 modifiedhabitat types available in the arid Chaco, their role as seed dispersers, and the rural community'sperception. We found that the Pampas fox used all habitat types except intensive annual cropland, whilethe collared peccary used only primary forest within a protected area. Both species exhibited a highlyfrugivorous diet and were seed dispersers of several native plant species. Interviewees hunted bothspecies; 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 andthe ES provided