Análisis de conflicto entre la fauna local y la población rural del cantón Catamayo, provincia de Loja.

Abstract

Abstract:Conflicts between people and wildlife are interactions that cause negative impacts on the conservation of natural habitats and the socio-economic well-being of people. The present study analyzed the existence of conflicts between the rural population of the canton of Catamayo (province of Loja) and the local fauna. During the April-June period of 2018, semi-structured interviews were applied to 40 mestizo farmers in the rural sector, in 15 locations. The results indicated that there is a people-fauna conflict with 15 species of wild animals. The opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) is the animal that causes the greatest conflict, due to the slaughter of domestic animals and damage to crops. People's perception of the fauna is negative and their immediate reaction to encounters is to scare the animal. Information on the uses and interactions with wildlife was gathered and it was learned that Didelphis marsupialis and Columba fasciata are used for ancestral medicine and food. Wildlife can be threatened by conflict and it is recommended that the competent authority generate strategies for its management.