Association between livestock and native mammals in a conservation priority area in the chaco of argentina

Abstract

The Chaco has high richness of medium-and large-sized mammal species and is one of the most endangered ecoregions in the world. Our goal was to assess associations between livestock and medium and large mammals in Bañados del Quirquincho of the Chaco of Northwestern Argentina. In five habitat types, we set 15 to 20 camera traps during at least 30 consecutive days to determine native mammal species and livestock camera trapping rate. We used generalized linear mixed models to compare the camera trapping rate of native mammals and livestock among habitat types. We recorded 15 mammal species in all habitat types and found a significantly higher camera trapping rate of native mammal species—with the exception of foxes—in habitats with lower livestock camera trapping rate. Our results provide evidence that unplanned, intensive livestock production have negative effects on most native mammals in remnants forest of the Bañados del Quirquincho. We highlight the need to implement sustainable livestock management plans in the forests of the Chaco ecoregion to ensure the conservation of native mammal species. los Bañados del Quirquincho. Resaltamos la necesidad de implementar planes de manejo ganadero sustentable en los bosques de la ecorregión del Chaco que aseguren la conservación de los mamíferos nativos.