| Mammals
are crucial for a healthy forest and a healthy
economy |
Madre de Dios is of worldwide importance because
of its exceptional biodiversity.
More than 200 mammal species have been recorded, many
of which are vital for the tropical ecosystem. They
strongly interact with other forest inhabitants through
pollination of flowers, consumption of leaves (folivory)
and small animals. When eating fruits they disperse
the seeds over great distances; aiding the regeneration
of forests that have been logged. Their vital role
upholds the balance and structure of the whole tropical
ecosystem. Loosing them would mean to loose the forest.
Highly
successful 2002 fieldperiod results
|
We started our investigation into the impact of logging
and hunting activity and the socio-economic background
of timber extraction in Madre de Dios in 2002. This
first period in the field has been highly valued by
local NGOs, governmental organisations and loggers
and we will continue our work in the summer of 2003.
| 2003: Living in timber
camps and investigate the life of the loggers |
The team will be living in timber concessions for
three months, sharing the camp with loggers. We will
be able to document their work and hunting behaviour,
collect detailed information on their social background
and attitude towards conservation via interviews and
socialising. Most of the concessionaires were illegal
loggers a few months ago and now have to cope with
running a concessions, including new legal and economic
framework. We will analyse the problems in depth and
develop a strategy for future work in collaboration
with the concessionaires and local NGOs.
|
|
| Assessing
the impact of timber extraction and hunting on
mammals |
We will investigate the environmental impact of timber
extraction with and without tractor. The community
structure of mammal populations will be assessed using
standardised transect-census techniques. This method
involves a student accompanied by one of our local
guides. They walk slowly along a 5km long trail recording
the number of mammals
and their tracks encountered. Information on the status
of animal populations and number of animals hunted
will be used to ascertain sustainable harvest levels
in cooperation with the concessionaires.
| Assessing
the area of impacted forest |
We will accompany the loggers during their work with
a GPS, mapping the position of their trails, of the
trees that they have cut and measure the areas impacted
by their activity.
| Protecting wildlife via
management plans and co-operation with the concessionaires |
Our data will be freely available to the concessionaires
and will be included in their management plans, helping
them to fulfil their environmental obligations. The
socio-economic data will be most useful to local NGOs
and governmental organisations providing them with
detailed information about the people they are dealing
with and the actual processes of timber extraction.
|
