Browsing by Autor "D. A. Villar"

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Declining Use of Totora (Schoenoplectus californicus subsp tatora) in Lake Titicaca
(Springer Science+Business Media, 2024) D. A. Villar; Bastian Thomsen; Edwin R. Gutiérrez Tito; Anahi C. Paca Condori; Paola Velásquez‐Noriega; Edilio Mamani; Mario Arivilca; Edmundo G. Moreno Terrazas; Jorgelina Mariño; Andrew Gosler
Decolonizing bird knowledge: More-than-Western bird–human relations
(2023) Bastian Thomsen; Kellen Copeland; Michael Harte; Olav Muurlink; D. A. Villar; Benjamin H. Mirin; Samuel R. Fennell; Anant Deshwal; P.N. Campbell; Ami Pekrul
Abstract Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) or local ecological knowledge (LEK) has only recently gained traction as “legitimate” science in Western academic discourse. Such approaches to inclusivity continue to face institutional, sociocultural, and equity barriers to being fully accepted in academic discourse in comparison to Western-based frameworks. Postcolonial studies have attempted to rectify this Western-domination in characterizing diverse forms of bird–human relationships. However, the integration of multiple cosmologies (worldviews) and ontologies (realities) in research or management creates challenges that we discuss. We elucidate commonalities and antithetical positions between Western-derived bird knowledge and management with that of TEK or LEK in both local and global contexts. We combine ecological/ornithological studies with key terms, theories, and methods from the social sciences to integrate the approaches and facilitate understanding. For example, we follow a “theory synthesis” approach in this conceptual paper to question epistemological and ontological assumptions of bird knowledge and how we acquire it to question, “how do we move from a decolonial approach (discussions and acknowledgement) to decolonization (action)?” This paper is a product of ongoing discourse among global researchers of an academic ethno-ornithology research lab based in the United Kingdom, who partner with global collaborators. The 3 case studies draw from ongoing research in Southeast Asia, South America, and decolonializing policy efforts in New Zealand. We analyzed these case studies using a postcolonial theoretical lens to provide insights into how Western scientists can embrace TEK and LEK and actively work to decolonize ethno-ornithology and ornithology in theory and practice. Further, we discuss perceived core tenets to equity and inclusion in community-based TEK and LEK conservation projects from the Global South. Diversity, equity, inclusivity, and justice in bird–human relations and knowledge were identified as targets for systemic change within the academic institutions of Western scientists. By recognizing, discussing, and embracing non-Western cosmologies and ontologies, non-Indigenous scientists can help influence the decolonization of ethno-ornithology, ornithology, and bird–human relations through respectful, participatory, equitable, culturally considerate, and “non-extractive” community-based initiatives in partnership with local groups.
Global population size and conservation priority areas for the endangered Titicaca grebe
(Wiley, 2024) D. A. Villar; Paola Velásquez‐Noriega; Edwin R. Gutiérrez Tito; Anahi Cosky Paca‐Condori; Edmundo G. Moreno Terrazas; Ronald Hinojosa Cárdenas; Alfredo Balcón Cuno; Carmen Villanueva; Patrick F. Chapman; Jhazel Quispe
Abstract The Titicaca grebe ( Rollandia microptera ) is a poorly studied endangered species, only found in the Lake Titicaca watershed of Peru and Bolivia. Population surveys undertaken in the early twenty‐first century suggested that the species had declined in number by >70%. We conducted a population survey of the grebe between March and August 2022 in Peru and Bolivia, using both maximum entropy and Bayesian occupancy models to estimate factors affecting habitat suitability for the grebe. We conducted surveys between March and August 2022 in Peru and Bolivia. Contrary to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) population estimates of <1,000 individuals, there are likely tens of thousands of individual grebes. The population estimation was sensitive to the type of model used. Distance from shore and fishing intensity were the most significant factors influencing grebe populations. The Reserva Nacional del Titicaca, the only protected area in the lake, covers some of the most suitable Titicaca grebe habitat across its entire range. The population of the Titicaca grebe is significantly higher than previous estimates, but we do not recommend a change to its conservation status because of the lack of conservation efforts for this species, and the long‐term risks associated with global warming and fisheries bycatch.
Indigenous–Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence in the Altiplano
(SAGE Publishing, 2024) D. A. Villar; Bastian Thomsen; Anahi Cosky Paca‐Condori; Edwin R. Gutiérrez Tito; Paula Velásquez-Noriega; Edilio Mamani; Mario Vilca; Edmundo G. Moreno Terrazas; Jorgelina Mariño; Andrew Gosler
Understanding the drivers of conflict and coexistence in human–wildlife relations are critical to conservation. This study sought to understand th varying attitudes of local indigenous people towards wildlife, focusing on the Titicaca Grebe ( Rollandia microptera), an endangered endemic species found in Lake Titicaca and surrounding waters in the Altiplano of Peru and Bolivia. We used an ethnobiology approach to understand which demographic, sociocultural, and economic factors influenced (a) attitudes and local ecological knowledge (LEK) towards the grebe and (2) their effects on Indigenous–wildlife conflict or coexistence. We used a qualitative, semi-structured questionnaire to interview 221 individuals over six months in villages surrounding Lake Titicaca. Participants primarily consisted of locals from the Aymara, Quechan, and Uro Indigenous groups. We found that most individuals expressed apathy towards the grebe, with a significant minority being hostile towards it. Hostility was concentrated amongst fishers and was driven by economic concerns. Knowledge of the grebe was low in the general population, but higher amongst fishers. There was, however, widespread willingness to conserve the grebe amongst the general population, particularly when informed that the grebe is endemic to the Altiplano. This small environmental education intervention suggested increased positive attitudes and a willingness to conserve the grebe. Non-homogenous perspectives towards the grebe were held within and between indigenous groups, suggesting the need for future research into intra-indigenous group dynamics in indigenous–wildlife relations. Future conservation work on the Titicaca Grebe should focus on reducing grebe-fisher conflict, both real and perceived, and on educating people on the grebe's endemic status.
Problems with combining modelling and social science approaches to understand artisanal fisheries bycatch
(Wiley, 2024) D. A. Villar; Edwin R. Gutiérrez Tito; Paola Velásquez‐Noriega; Anahi Cosky Paca‐Condori; Edmundo G. Moreno Terrazas; Alfredo Balcón Cuno; Ronald Hinojosa Cárdenas; Carmen Villanueva; Patrick F. Chapman; Luca Chiaverini
Abstract Aim Artisanal fisheries account for 40% of the world's fisheries catch, yet its environmental impacts remain poorly understood. This is especially the case in developing countries. In this study, we sought to integrate Local Fisher's Knowledge with distribution modelling to estimate the annual bycatch of Titicaca Grebe ( Rollandia microptera ), an endangered endemic bird from Lake Titicaca whose main anthropogenic threat is bycatch. Location Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia. Methods We conducted transect and point counts of fishing nets in March–September 2022 and conducted interviews with fishers across the Lake Titicaca region. Using bathymetry, distance from shore, distance from a settlement, distance from the protected area, presence/absence of aquaculture, distance from aquaculture, and wetland cover, we constructed a distribution model of fisheries using maximum entropy modelling. We conducted interviews with fishers asking about the frequency of grebe bycatch and conducted short‐term monitoring at various sites while conducting transect points for dead grebes. Results We estimate 3270 km 2 of the surface area of Lake Titicaca is used for fishing, which amounts to 39.40% of the lake's surface area. The area under the curve (AUC) of the distribution model was 0.89 and the True Skill Statistic was 0.67, which suggests maximum entropy modelling can model fisheries occurrence. The results of our interviews suggested a biologically implausible large number of grebes caught as bycatch annually. The cultural context of the interviews, including potential influences of non‐response and social‐desirability bias, being with fishers who often view the Titicaca Grebe as a nuisance species, might have caused over‐reporting of bycatch and hence led to these implausible figures. Main Conclusions It is possible to map fisheries using distribution models as one might with species. However, obtaining accurate measures of fisheries bycatch through interviews is more difficult, due to cultural factors which affect the accuracy in fisher's responses. While we hope that this method provides a low‐cost alternative to monitoring, it is not a suitable replacement for it.