Hunting patterns and other threats to the conservation of terrestrial mammals of the Tamá National Natural Park, Colombia

Abstract

Objective: To document the hunting problem and its current state and the other threats for the conservation of mammals species present in the Tamá N.N.P. and its buffer zone. Methodology: We visited 13 localities during 34 months, in which we assessed the presence of medium and large terrestrial mammals, and through semi-structured interviews using a participatory approach we documented the communities hunting types and uses. We determined the types of hunting, the techniques employed, species used and other existing threats. To evaluate their relationships,  we used the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity metrics and a heatmap  through  the Vegan 2.0. package on R. 3.0.2 software. Results: 21 species were recorded, 86% have hunting pressures. The hunting of subsistence, hunting of tradition, hunting of sport, and the hunting by conflict represented the highest percentages in the area with the 67.5, 17.5, 10, and 5%. The use of weapons and dogs was the most predominance hunting technique. The species that evidenced greater use in the area were D. novemcinctus, M. rufina, N. nasua, N. olivacea, T. ornatus, and P. concolor, either as food, furs, trophies, or raw material for the elaboration of instruments and/or aphrodisiacs. Other treats as the deforestation and pollution which cover the 76 and 69% of the area followed by livestock 61%, arsons (23%) and feral species (8%). Conclusions: The hunting for conflict, the use of permanent traps, the presence of feral species and the burnings are presented in specific areas of the park, affecting mainly large felines and vulnerable species, thus imperative actions are necessary.