Hunting Tayassuidae in the Indio River basin, Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, Nicaragua

Abstract

Wildlife hunting is an important activity for self-consumption and local commerce in certain communities; however, when it becomes selective, it has a negative impact on its continuity. The objective of the study was the characterization of the hunting of  tayassuids  in  the areas  of  the  Río  Indio  basin, through  a  survey  format  applied  to  hunters  (nine)  with  more  than  10  years  of  experience  and  a semi-structured interview format directed at local authorities. (four). 100% of hunters have only found and captured the T. pecari (species Link, 1795), 89% of hunters claim to have captured specimens in forested areas, 78% near rivers and 11% claim to have captured specimens in agricultural zones; however, 50% of the rangers consulted and 100% at MARENA indicated that T. tajacu were also found (Linnaeus, 1758).  The results indicate that the participants of the study do not coincide regarding the preferred hunting instrument; the hunters affirm that they prefer and use the spear, bow and arrow more (ancestral hunting), contrary to the local authorities: who mostly used firearms (shotgun and 22 caliber weapon). Due to the selection and pressure to exclusively hunt T.  pecari and a poor environmental education on tayassuids, hunting these in the areas of the Indio River, Indio Maíz biological reserve, could have a high negative impact, which is why the development of preservation programs and alternatives for the use of this species is pressing.