Análisis poblacional del Lobo de Paramo (Lycalopex culpaeus) en los páramos fragmentados del Parque Nacional Cotopaxi.

Abstract

Abstract: The Páramo Wolf (Lycalopex culpaeus), a species that is considered harmful and mythical in the moors, was stigmatized as a predator of farm animals, and hunted irrationally. Biologically, it is considered as a bioindicator of environmental quality, it can be considered an umbrella species, a bioregulator of herbivore populations, and a component in the ecological balance. The study is oriented to the presence of the species in the moors of the Cotopaxi National Park by searching for direct and indirect records with transects, cameras, field equipment (Photo 1, page 28), walks, to explain the difference in the use of habitat between two zones with different levels of anthropization. A generalized linear model was developed using the IAR as the response variable and the two levels of anthropization as predictor variables. The study verified a preferential use of less anthropized areas by the local population. Likewise, threats to the species such as feral dogs, hunting, and poisoning were identified in the study area that is close to populated, livestock and agricultural areas.