Land-use change is a global threat to biodiversity, but how land-use change affects species beyon... more Land-use change is a global threat to biodiversity, but how land-use change affects species beyond the direct effect of habitat loss remains poorly understood. We developed an approach to isolate and map the direct and indirect effects of agricultural expansion on species of conservation concern, using the threatened giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in the Gran Chaco as an example. We reconstructed anteater occupancy change between 1985 and 2015 by fitting single-season occupancy models with contemporary camera-trap data and backcasting the models to 1985 and 2000 land-cover/use maps. Based on this, we compared the area of forest loss (direct effect of agricultural expansion) with the area where forests remained but occupancy still declined (indirect effect of agricultural expansion). Anteater occupancy decreased substantially since 1985, particularly after 2000 when agriculture expanded rapidly. Between 1985 and 2015, ~ 64,000 km2 of forest disappeared, yet occupancy declin...
Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become in... more Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become invasive it must be voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into a non-native habitat. Mammals were among first taxa to be introduced worldwide for game, meat and labor, yet the number of species introduced in the Neotropics remains unknown. In this data set, we make available occurrence and abundance data on mammal species that (1) transposed a geographical barrier and (2) were voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into the Neotropics. Our data set is composed of 73,738 historical and current georeferenced records on alien mammal species of which around 96% correspond to occurrence data on 77 species belonging to eight orders and 26 families. Data cover 26 continental countries in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and its frontier regions (southern Florida and coastal-central Florida in southeast USA) to Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, and the 13 countries of Caribbean islands. Our data set also includes neotropical species (e.g., Callithrix sp., Myocastor coypus, Nasua nasua) considered alien in particular areas of Neotropics. The most numerous species in terms of records are from Bos sp. (n = 37,782), Sus scrofa (n = 6,730), and Canis familiaris (n = 10,084); 17 species were represented by only one record (e.g. Syncerus caffer, Cervus timorensis, Cervus unicolor, Canis latrans). Primates have the highest number of species in the data set (n = 20 species), partly due to uncertainties regarding taxonomic identification of the genera Callithrix, which includes the species C. aurita, C. flaviceps, C. geoffroyi, C. jacchus, C. kuhlii, C. penicillata, and their hybrids. This unique data set will be a valuable source of information on invasion risk assessments, biodiversity redistribution and conservation-related research. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when use the data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us on how they are using the data.
Tropical deforestation is a main driver of the global biodiversity crisis. Impact assessments typ... more Tropical deforestation is a main driver of the global biodiversity crisis. Impact assessments typically focus on species' presence, which means impacts are detected when local extinctions have occurred-and thus when it is too late. Here, we pioneer the combined use of two approaches that can detect deforestation impacts earlier, at the level of populations (using occupancy modelling) and at the level of individuals (using stress hormonal indicators). We tested this approach for the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) in the Argentine Chaco, a global deforestation hotspot. We used camera-trap data to model peccary occupancy in relation to woodland cover and loss, and measured glucocorticoid metabolites in peccary feces to assess individuals' stress level in deforestation areas. We found that peccary occupancy was highest in remote areas with high woodland cover, but low otherwise. Peccaries were typically absent from areas where deforestation had been widespread recently. Where peccaries were present, physiological stress was correlated with the extent of edge between cropland and forest (a proxy for food availability), and not with deforestation. This, and the observation that peccaries disappear quickly as deforestation progresses, suggests that peccaries do not adapt well to the new conditions in deforestation frontiers. In terms of conservation management, our results underpin the importance of protecting large, contiguous woodland blocks to prevent large mammals from going extinct in deforestation frontiers. More broadly, we show how combining stress hormonal indicators and occupancy modelling can provide deep insights into processes underlying local extinctions in dynamic landscapes.
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 Argentine... more 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.
RESUMEN. Las medidas de conservación tienen mayor probabilidad de éxito cuando consideran la perc... more RESUMEN. Las medidas de conservación tienen mayor probabilidad de éxito cuando consideran la percepción y opinión de las personas locales que están en contacto con aquello que se desea proteger. Una manera para considerar la percepción local es incluir pobladores locales en trabajos de investigación y monitoreo. Trabajamos en una porción del Chaco Seco rica en biodiversidad y donde la información sobre vertebrados medianos y grandes es escasa y necesaria. Aplicamos un monitoreo participativo junto con pobladores campesinos criollos y originarios wichís. En este artículo analizamos la capacidad de este método para incorporar pobladores locales. Explicamos el desarrollo de la metodología y los elementos que la conformaron, cómo trabajamos con estos pobladores y cómo se colectaron los datos. Por último, analizamos si el método permitió cumplir los objetivos científicos de investigación: (i) determinar las especies presentes de vertebrados medianos y grandes (>0.5 kg), (ii) monitorear su presencia y (iii) describir los ambientes naturales donde los animales eran detectados. El monitoreo participativo permitió cumplir con los tres objetivos propuestos. Este no fue solo una herramienta para colectar datos sino también de integración social. El mismo estuvo compuesto por diferentes actividades: reuniones, capacitaciones, prácticas y colecta de datos, etc. Los pobladores locales agregaron objetivos a los inicialmente propuestos, participaron de las actividades de decidir los métodos de colecta de datos y de resolver inconvenientes. El método permitió integrar personas normalmente excluidas del sistema, tomar en cuenta sus percepciones y fortalecer sus capacidades. ABSTRACT. Participatory wildlife monitoring in the Argentine Dry Chaco. Conservation measures are more likely to succeed when they take into account the perceptions and opinions of the local people who are in contact with the intended targets of protection. One way to account for local perceptions is to include local people in research and monitoring. We worked in a portion of the Dry Chaco that is rich in biodiversity, yet poor in urgently-needed information on medium and large vertebrates. We applied participatory monitoring together with small-scale ranchers, criollos, and indigenous Wichi residents. In this article we analyze the effectiveness of this method in incorporating local people in research activities. We explain the development of the methodology and its components, how we worked with local people and how we collected the data. Participatory monitoring comprised several different activities: meetings, training, practice and data collection. Local settlers added goals to those initially proposed, participated in activities, decided on methods of data collection and solved problems. Finally, we analyzed whether the method allowed us to meet the scientific objectives of our
The Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri), or Tagua, an endemic species living in the Chaco ecoreg... more The Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri), or Tagua, an endemic species living in the Chaco ecoregion, is endangered by highly increasing deforestation rates across the region, particularly in the last decade. This situation highlights the need to better understand the current distribution of the species, as well as how environmental conditions affect habitat suitability. This study predicts the distribution of the Chacoan peccary and evaluates the current environmental conditions in the Chaco for this species. Using six environmental variables and 177 confirmed occurrence records (from 2000 to 2015) provided by researchers, we developed a Species Distribution Model (SDM) applying the Maxent algorithm. The final model was highly accurate and significant (p < 0.001; AUC 0.860 ± 0.0268; omission error 1.82 %; posthoc validation of omission error using independent presenceonly records 1.33 %), predicting that 46.24 % of the Chacoan Peccary
Different cultures have different relationships with nature, and these relationships have many di... more 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 medium-sized 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.
Puesta en funcionamiento y primera evaluación de una herramienta para la toma de datos en ambient... more Puesta en funcionamiento y primera evaluación de una herramienta para la toma de datos en ambientes naturales remotos. Caso de Estudio: Muestreo Participativo en el Chaco Argentino
El Chaco Semiárido es una ecorregión que alberga especies, culturas y procesos ecológicos únicos;... more El Chaco Semiárido es una ecorregión que alberga especies, culturas y procesos ecológicos únicos; y donde la falta de información dificulta la elaboración de planes de manejo. Éstos son urgentes por el acelerado avance de la frontera agrícola y la explotación no sustentable de los recursos naturales. El territorio - parches naturales de bosques, arbustales, bañados y pastizales- es habitado por pobladores criollos y originarios, y posee los índices de pobreza más elevados del país; siendo éste un problema social y ambiental. Un monitoreo de fauna participativo permite relevar extensas superficies, y puede favorecer la inclusión social, reforzando localmente capacidades y participación en intervenciones de manejo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue desarrollar un muestreo participativo (MP) con pobladores locales para estudiar la fauna mayor a 1 kg, que resultara efectivo para la conservación a largo plazo de las especies y proveyera información útil para el desarrollo de planes de mane...
El Chaco Semiárido Argentino posee una biodiversidad rica y única. Es un territorio aislado de gr... more El Chaco Semiárido Argentino posee una biodiversidad rica y única. Es un territorio aislado de grandes ciudades, inhóspito, habitado por pobladores rurales criollos y originarios Wichís con economías de subsistencia dependientes de los recursos naturales. La pobreza y desocupación son de las más altas del país. Esta situación es un desafío para la conservación y el desarrollo, dado que la destrucción del medio ambiente afecta tanto la biodiversidad como la vida de los pobladores locales y la información sobre las especies silvestres usadas localmente es insuficiente. En una porción del Chaco Semiárido Argentino, con el objetivo de obtener información sobre la fauna y ayudar a desarrollar capacidades locales de conservación, desarrollamos un monitoreo participativo de base local (MPBL). Existen diferentes clases de MPBL, algunas permiten obtener información ambiental de calidad científica y, simultáneamente, fortalecer capacidades locales. En el año 2010 evaluamos la posibilidad de d...
Land-use change is a global threat to biodiversity, but how land-use change affects species beyon... more Land-use change is a global threat to biodiversity, but how land-use change affects species beyond the direct effect of habitat loss remains poorly understood. We developed an approach to isolate and map the direct and indirect effects of agricultural expansion on species of conservation concern, using the threatened giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in the Gran Chaco as an example. We reconstructed anteater occupancy change between 1985 and 2015 by fitting single-season occupancy models with contemporary camera-trap data and backcasting the models to 1985 and 2000 land-cover/use maps. Based on this, we compared the area of forest loss (direct effect of agricultural expansion) with the area where forests remained but occupancy still declined (indirect effect of agricultural expansion). Anteater occupancy decreased substantially since 1985, particularly after 2000 when agriculture expanded rapidly. Between 1985 and 2015, ~ 64,000 km2 of forest disappeared, yet occupancy declin...
Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become in... more Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become invasive it must be voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into a non-native habitat. Mammals were among first taxa to be introduced worldwide for game, meat and labor, yet the number of species introduced in the Neotropics remains unknown. In this data set, we make available occurrence and abundance data on mammal species that (1) transposed a geographical barrier and (2) were voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into the Neotropics. Our data set is composed of 73,738 historical and current georeferenced records on alien mammal species of which around 96% correspond to occurrence data on 77 species belonging to eight orders and 26 families. Data cover 26 continental countries in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and its frontier regions (southern Florida and coastal-central Florida in southeast USA) to Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, and the 13 countries of Caribbean islands. Our data set also includes neotropical species (e.g., Callithrix sp., Myocastor coypus, Nasua nasua) considered alien in particular areas of Neotropics. The most numerous species in terms of records are from Bos sp. (n = 37,782), Sus scrofa (n = 6,730), and Canis familiaris (n = 10,084); 17 species were represented by only one record (e.g. Syncerus caffer, Cervus timorensis, Cervus unicolor, Canis latrans). Primates have the highest number of species in the data set (n = 20 species), partly due to uncertainties regarding taxonomic identification of the genera Callithrix, which includes the species C. aurita, C. flaviceps, C. geoffroyi, C. jacchus, C. kuhlii, C. penicillata, and their hybrids. This unique data set will be a valuable source of information on invasion risk assessments, biodiversity redistribution and conservation-related research. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when use the data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us on how they are using the data.
Tropical deforestation is a main driver of the global biodiversity crisis. Impact assessments typ... more Tropical deforestation is a main driver of the global biodiversity crisis. Impact assessments typically focus on species' presence, which means impacts are detected when local extinctions have occurred-and thus when it is too late. Here, we pioneer the combined use of two approaches that can detect deforestation impacts earlier, at the level of populations (using occupancy modelling) and at the level of individuals (using stress hormonal indicators). We tested this approach for the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) in the Argentine Chaco, a global deforestation hotspot. We used camera-trap data to model peccary occupancy in relation to woodland cover and loss, and measured glucocorticoid metabolites in peccary feces to assess individuals' stress level in deforestation areas. We found that peccary occupancy was highest in remote areas with high woodland cover, but low otherwise. Peccaries were typically absent from areas where deforestation had been widespread recently. Where peccaries were present, physiological stress was correlated with the extent of edge between cropland and forest (a proxy for food availability), and not with deforestation. This, and the observation that peccaries disappear quickly as deforestation progresses, suggests that peccaries do not adapt well to the new conditions in deforestation frontiers. In terms of conservation management, our results underpin the importance of protecting large, contiguous woodland blocks to prevent large mammals from going extinct in deforestation frontiers. More broadly, we show how combining stress hormonal indicators and occupancy modelling can provide deep insights into processes underlying local extinctions in dynamic landscapes.
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 Argentine... more 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.
RESUMEN. Las medidas de conservación tienen mayor probabilidad de éxito cuando consideran la perc... more RESUMEN. Las medidas de conservación tienen mayor probabilidad de éxito cuando consideran la percepción y opinión de las personas locales que están en contacto con aquello que se desea proteger. Una manera para considerar la percepción local es incluir pobladores locales en trabajos de investigación y monitoreo. Trabajamos en una porción del Chaco Seco rica en biodiversidad y donde la información sobre vertebrados medianos y grandes es escasa y necesaria. Aplicamos un monitoreo participativo junto con pobladores campesinos criollos y originarios wichís. En este artículo analizamos la capacidad de este método para incorporar pobladores locales. Explicamos el desarrollo de la metodología y los elementos que la conformaron, cómo trabajamos con estos pobladores y cómo se colectaron los datos. Por último, analizamos si el método permitió cumplir los objetivos científicos de investigación: (i) determinar las especies presentes de vertebrados medianos y grandes (>0.5 kg), (ii) monitorear su presencia y (iii) describir los ambientes naturales donde los animales eran detectados. El monitoreo participativo permitió cumplir con los tres objetivos propuestos. Este no fue solo una herramienta para colectar datos sino también de integración social. El mismo estuvo compuesto por diferentes actividades: reuniones, capacitaciones, prácticas y colecta de datos, etc. Los pobladores locales agregaron objetivos a los inicialmente propuestos, participaron de las actividades de decidir los métodos de colecta de datos y de resolver inconvenientes. El método permitió integrar personas normalmente excluidas del sistema, tomar en cuenta sus percepciones y fortalecer sus capacidades. ABSTRACT. Participatory wildlife monitoring in the Argentine Dry Chaco. Conservation measures are more likely to succeed when they take into account the perceptions and opinions of the local people who are in contact with the intended targets of protection. One way to account for local perceptions is to include local people in research and monitoring. We worked in a portion of the Dry Chaco that is rich in biodiversity, yet poor in urgently-needed information on medium and large vertebrates. We applied participatory monitoring together with small-scale ranchers, criollos, and indigenous Wichi residents. In this article we analyze the effectiveness of this method in incorporating local people in research activities. We explain the development of the methodology and its components, how we worked with local people and how we collected the data. Participatory monitoring comprised several different activities: meetings, training, practice and data collection. Local settlers added goals to those initially proposed, participated in activities, decided on methods of data collection and solved problems. Finally, we analyzed whether the method allowed us to meet the scientific objectives of our
The Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri), or Tagua, an endemic species living in the Chaco ecoreg... more The Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri), or Tagua, an endemic species living in the Chaco ecoregion, is endangered by highly increasing deforestation rates across the region, particularly in the last decade. This situation highlights the need to better understand the current distribution of the species, as well as how environmental conditions affect habitat suitability. This study predicts the distribution of the Chacoan peccary and evaluates the current environmental conditions in the Chaco for this species. Using six environmental variables and 177 confirmed occurrence records (from 2000 to 2015) provided by researchers, we developed a Species Distribution Model (SDM) applying the Maxent algorithm. The final model was highly accurate and significant (p < 0.001; AUC 0.860 ± 0.0268; omission error 1.82 %; posthoc validation of omission error using independent presenceonly records 1.33 %), predicting that 46.24 % of the Chacoan Peccary
Different cultures have different relationships with nature, and these relationships have many di... more 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 medium-sized 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.
Puesta en funcionamiento y primera evaluación de una herramienta para la toma de datos en ambient... more Puesta en funcionamiento y primera evaluación de una herramienta para la toma de datos en ambientes naturales remotos. Caso de Estudio: Muestreo Participativo en el Chaco Argentino
El Chaco Semiárido es una ecorregión que alberga especies, culturas y procesos ecológicos únicos;... more El Chaco Semiárido es una ecorregión que alberga especies, culturas y procesos ecológicos únicos; y donde la falta de información dificulta la elaboración de planes de manejo. Éstos son urgentes por el acelerado avance de la frontera agrícola y la explotación no sustentable de los recursos naturales. El territorio - parches naturales de bosques, arbustales, bañados y pastizales- es habitado por pobladores criollos y originarios, y posee los índices de pobreza más elevados del país; siendo éste un problema social y ambiental. Un monitoreo de fauna participativo permite relevar extensas superficies, y puede favorecer la inclusión social, reforzando localmente capacidades y participación en intervenciones de manejo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue desarrollar un muestreo participativo (MP) con pobladores locales para estudiar la fauna mayor a 1 kg, que resultara efectivo para la conservación a largo plazo de las especies y proveyera información útil para el desarrollo de planes de mane...
El Chaco Semiárido Argentino posee una biodiversidad rica y única. Es un territorio aislado de gr... more El Chaco Semiárido Argentino posee una biodiversidad rica y única. Es un territorio aislado de grandes ciudades, inhóspito, habitado por pobladores rurales criollos y originarios Wichís con economías de subsistencia dependientes de los recursos naturales. La pobreza y desocupación son de las más altas del país. Esta situación es un desafío para la conservación y el desarrollo, dado que la destrucción del medio ambiente afecta tanto la biodiversidad como la vida de los pobladores locales y la información sobre las especies silvestres usadas localmente es insuficiente. En una porción del Chaco Semiárido Argentino, con el objetivo de obtener información sobre la fauna y ayudar a desarrollar capacidades locales de conservación, desarrollamos un monitoreo participativo de base local (MPBL). Existen diferentes clases de MPBL, algunas permiten obtener información ambiental de calidad científica y, simultáneamente, fortalecer capacidades locales. En el año 2010 evaluamos la posibilidad de d...
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