Browsing by Autor "Valeria Boron"

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Breaking down silos: Conservation areas for Amazonian flagship terrestrial and freshwater species
(Society for Conservation Biology, 2025) Natalie Shahbol; Melissa Arias; Valeria Boron; Helga Correa Wiederhecker; Bernardo Caldas; Fabiola La Rosa; Robin Naidoo; M Oliveira-da-Costa; Jessica Pacheco; Mariana Paschoalini Frias
Abstract Research into the threats affecting flagship terrestrial and freshwater species in the Amazon has operated within disciplinary and ecological silos, neglecting the interconnectedness between these species and ecosystems. In this study, we aimed to bridge these divides by identifying Amazon areas harboring high jaguar densities and high richness of migratory freshwater species, highlighting the potential co‐benefits of integrated terrestrial and freshwater conservation approaches. We also assessed the risks posed to these areas by habitat and connectivity loss due to impending dam construction, deforestation, and the lack of coverage by area‐based conservation schemes. We found that 17% of the Amazon River Basin is covered by areas of high jaguar density and freshwater migratory species richness, 83% of which are found in Brazil and Peru. A third of these areas are located outside of formal protected areas or Indigenous territories, with Bolivia representing the largest gap in formal protection. The proposed construction of 54 hydroelectric dams and the expansion of deforestation poses an immediate threat to the habitats and connectivity of these areas. Given the risk of an Amazon ecological tipping point, our study underscores the need for integrated terrestrial and freshwater conservation approaches that set in motion international collaboration to secure transboundary flagship and umbrella species.
Hunting, non-timber forestry products, and jaguars (Panthera onca): How livelihoods influence views toward jaguars in protected areas of the Bolivian Amazon
(Elsevier BV, 2025) Albert B. Becker; Nuno Negrões; María Díez-León; Indyra Lafuente-Cartagena; Neurisvan Ramos Guerra; Daniel M. Larrea‐Alcázar; Valeria Boron; Melissa Arias; Lila Sainz; Michelle Peñaranda
• Hunting has a negative influence on views and behavior towards jaguars. • Non-timber forestry has a positive influence on views and behavior towards jaguars. • Variation in time spent and income derived within economic activities influence views and behavior. • Non-timber forestry should be encouraged, and fear and perceived risk should be reduced in hunters. Jaguar ( Panthera onca ) populations are increasingly threatened by human activities, yet research on conflict over jaguar within protected areas remains scarce, especially in regions without cattle ranching. In the Bolivian Amazon, where local people rely on various forest-based income sources, we examined how two income sources, hunting and non-timber forestry (Brazil nut harvesting, acai berry harvesting, and small-scale agroforestry), along with demographic factors such as age, level of education, and gender influence psychological drivers and norms, along with past and future behavioral intentions toward jaguars. Through analysis of structured in-person interviews (n = 171), we found that hunting activity, whether one practiced hunting or increased their time spent or income derived from hunting, had predominantly negative influence on attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions toward jaguars. In contrast, non-timber forestry, whether one participates in the activity or increased their time spent or income derived from the activity, had a positive influence. Additionally, within-group variations in economic activities (e.g., time invested and income derived) were as important as whether the economic activity, specifically within hunting and non-timber forestry activities, was practiced at all. Contrary to findings from previous studies, demographic factors such as education had little effect on these psychological variables, with gender only influencing fear, and geographic area influencing norms. To support jaguar conservation, we recommend management strategies that reduce perceived risks and fears among hunters and promote non-timber forestry as a positive economic alternative
Withdrawal and Expansion: A Decade of Dynamic Ungulate Distribution in Amazonian Lowland Sanctuaries (2010-2020)
(RELX Group (Netherlands), 2024) Luís Pedro Pratas-Santiago; Valeria Boron; John G. Blake; Diego Mosquera; Santiago Espinosa; Mathias W. Tobler; Fernanda Santos; Marcela Guimarães Moreira Lima; Krisna Gajapersad; Anand Roopsind