Evaluación de las interacciones conflictivas entre humanos y fauna en la región sur: zona occidental del Parque nacional Podocarpus en el sector Yangana-Palmira

Abstract

Abstract:The present study intends to evaluate the conflicting interactions between humans and wildlife in the western part of the Podocarpus National Park (PNP), in the Yangana and Palmira sectors, parishes of the Loja canton. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather information on the wildlife of the PNP. 73.3% reported having had some conflict with wildlife in the last five years. The main conflict identified is the slaughter of cattle caused by the Puma concolor and Tremarctos ornatus species. Another conflict mentioned with Tremarctos ornatus was the destruction of corn crops. The consumption of wildlife is nil in the study sectors. 23.33% of respondents recognized the Ministry of Environment as the environmental authority in Ecuador. The interviewees proposed agricultural training and reforestation in the upper parts of the forest, among the main activities that the environmental authority should develop. 83.33% of the population interviewed said they were willing to work with the authority to resolve existing conflicts. The population interviewed mainly has a perception between negative and neutral with respect to wildlife.