Sustainable Hunting in the World’s Most Biodiverse Area

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In a world increasingly aware of the urgent need for sustainable practices, a recent study from Newcastle University shines a light on an intriguing aspect of biodiversity conservation: sustainable hunting. This research, spearheaded by postgraduate researcher Jennifer McFarlane, investigates the delicate balance between hunting practices and biodiversity in the rich ecosystems of the Neotropics, specifically Manu National Park in Peru.

What is the Neotropics?

The Neotropics is a biogeographic region that encompasses a vast expanse of land across South America, Central America, southern North America, and the Caribbean Islands. This area is renowned for its tropical rainforests, housing an unparalleled diversity of flora and fauna. As human populations rise and the demand for natural resources intensifies, understanding how to manage these ecosystems sustainably becomes increasingly critical.

In her study, McFarlane and her team focused on the realities of hunting within these neotropical forests, aiming to develop strategies that can help mitigate the threats posed to biodiversity by hunting pressures.

The ‘Empty Forest’ Effect

Subsistence hunting has been a practice within the tropics for over 100,000 years, providing vital food security and livelihoods for many communities. However, as urbanisation and commercialisation of wild meat have surged, the demand for wildlife has skyrocketed, leading to what is known as the ‘empty forest’ effect. This phenomenon describes forests that appear structurally intact yet are devoid of wildlife, raising serious concerns for biodiversity.

Research suggests that the impact of hunting on biodiversity varies significantly among species, largely dictated by their life history traits, such as body size and reproductive rates. Larger mammals, particularly herbivores, tend to be preferred targets for hunters, resulting in significant population declines. Conversely, many carnivores have been overlooked in hunting impact studies, suffering declines from both direct hunting practices and the resulting depletion of their prey.

Subsistence vs Unsustainable Hunting

The distinction between sustainable and unsustainable hunting practices is crucial. Unsustainable hunting has been documented in various regions, particularly in Asia, where advanced weapons and extensive habitat loss have driven hunting pressures to alarming levels. In contrast, many areas of the Amazon, including Manu National Park, are home to indigenous reserves where hunting practices remain traditional and community-managed.

The Matsigenka community, residing within the park’s ‘untouchable zone’, has adhered to these traditional practices, using bows and arrows in their hunts. This adherence not only reflects their cultural identity but also highlights the potential for sustainable hunting to coexist with conservation efforts, maintaining both biodiversity and indigenous rights.

Results of the Study

This collaborative study, involving Newcastle University, Frankfurt Zoological Society Perú, and San Diego Zoo Perú, employed innovative techniques such as camera traps strategically placed across hunting pressure gradients. By comparing areas with varying levels of hunting activity, researchers assessed the impact on mammal communities and their habitat usage.

The data revealed a nuanced picture: while subsistence hunting has a low overall impact on biodiversity, it does selectively affect certain mammal species more than others. Larger mammals with longer generational spans, such as jaguars and ocelots, were found to be less abundant in areas where hunting occurred, though they were still present. In stark contrast, smaller species with shorter life cycles, like rodents, were more prevalent in hunted areas, aligning with findings from previous studies in the Brazilian Amazon.

McFarlane commented on these findings, stating, “Our results indicate that hunting in Manu NP is largely sustainable, leading to only local depletion of a few sensitive species.” This suggests that while hunting has an impact, it is manageable and highlights the importance of comprehensive surveys to understand the full scope of hunting effects on wildlife populations.

Implications for Management and Next Steps

The implications of this research are significant. The findings advocate for community-managed hunting quotas aimed at preserving carnivore prey species, which could mitigate broader impacts on the ecosystem. However, implementing such quotas necessitates extensive research and must align with the cultural norms and rights of the indigenous communities involved.

McFarlane emphasises the importance of prioritising the needs and rights of local populations in any management strategy. She notes, “The Matsigenka at Manu National Park have demonstrated that hunting can be sustainable when traditional techniques are upheld, providing a model for other regions facing similar challenges.”

About the Author

Jennifer McFarlane is set to continue her research within the realm of biodiversity and sustainable practices as she embarks on her PhD at Newcastle University in autumn 2024. Funded by the IAPETUS2 Doctoral Training Partnership, her focus will extend to mammal responses to hunting and habitat quality changes, with particular attention to the tropical landscapes of Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo.

As we grapple with the complexities of conservation in a changing world, this study serves as a poignant reminder of the potential for sustainable practices to coexist with biodiversity preservation. By valuing traditional knowledge and fostering community involvement, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future, not only in the Neotropics but across the globe.

With ongoing support and research, the delicate balance between human needs and wildlife conservation can be achieved, reaffirming our commitment to a net-zero future.