[livestock predation on small rural properties near protected areas of the atlantic forest of pernambuco state, brazil]

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the occurrence of livestock predation in small rural properties surrounding protected areas of the Atlantic Forest in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. In total, 11 small properties were visited near the Ecologic Station of Tapacurá (n=6), in São Lourenço da Mata, and the protected area of the 10th Motorized Infantry Brigade (n=5), in Recife. The owners of the properties were surveyed with the intention of collecting data regarding the attacks against small domestic animals by wild animals, as well as to obtain information on the environmental characteristics of the property, species bred, herd size, and breeding and management systems adopted. In 54.5% (6/11) of the properties, cases of predation were reported. Chickens were the prey in 60% (9/15) of the cases and crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) were the main predators of livestock, responsible for 40% (4/15) of the attacks. A negative correlation was observed between the predation and the presence of hedgerows in the property and the distance between the property in relation to the protected areas. A positive correlation was observed between the predation and the natural water supply in the property.