Hunter self-monitoring as a basis for biological research - Data from the Bolivian Chaco

Abstract

"Izoceño hunters from 22 communities in the Bolivian Chaco voluntarily recordeddata on over 5000 captured animals between 1997 and 2000. This paper presents andassesses the quality of biological information derived from hunter self-monitoring records.The nine most commonly hunted mammals were four ungulates ( Mazama gouazoubira,Tayassu tajacu, Tayassu pecari, and Tapirus terrestris) and five armadillos ( Dasypusnovemcinctus, Tolypeutes matacus, Euphractus sexcinctus, Chaetophractus villosus, and C.vellerosus). The lack of quantitative precision restricts data analysis to qualitative assessmentand relative comparisons among or within species. The data indicate seasonal reproductiveactivity (pregnancy rates, proportion of females and/or juveniles hunted) for all species exceptT. terrestris. The data also suggest that most species shift activity patterns during the coldestseason of the year to increase day-time or mid-afternoon activity. Self-monitoring as conductedin the Izozog is not adequate for analyses of condition or habitat preferences."