Proyecto Quimilero: research and actions to conserve the Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri) in-situ

CAMINO MICAELA; CORREA HUGO HERNANDO; COLLET NATAY E.; GHIONE IVANA; NEME, ANDREA; ALTRICHTER MARIANA; CORTEZ SARA

Santa Marta

Congreso; Congreso Internacional de Manejo de Fauna Silvestre en Amazonía y América Latina; 2023

comfauna - natura - wcs

The Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wangeri) is an endangered species endemic to the Dry Chaco forests. Its major threats include hunting and habitat loss due to advancing deforestation. Deforestation is driven by industrial agriculture and performed by foreigners who exploit local communities´ insecure land tenure and lack of awareness of laws and rights. Consequently, locals are displaced from their homes in the forest. Proyecto Quimilero focuses on research and in-situ conservation actions. Our findings reveal that (i) the Chacoan peccary can inhabit primary and also, secondary forests occupied by local communities, (ii) protected areas are insufficient to conserve the species, (iii) Indigenous lands hold over 44% of the remaining Dry Chaco forests and act as deforestation barriers when land tenure is secure. Our in-situ efforts empower local communities by providing information on laws and rights, offering sustainable land and resource management tools, highlighting their valuable ecological knowledge, and fostering support networks. By integrating scientific and local knowledge and worldviews, we can develop innovative strategies to protect the Chacoan peccary and other species. Community well-being and guarantee of their rights are crucial for the success of conservation strategies.