Effects of human disturbance on ocurrence patterns and behavior of terrestrial mammals in Eastern Ecuador

Description: Yasun? National Park (YNP) is one of the most important areas for biodiversity conservation in the world. Nonetheless, it is threatened by oil-related activities, road development and increased hunting pressure on preferred game species. The Maxus Road in YNP has caused the intensification of hunting pressure on terrestrial mammals, such as ungulates and large rodents. The road provides greater access by hunters to unexploited wildlife and to bushmeat markets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact that hunting, facilitated by roads, might have on distribution, abundance and behavior of these species. I use presence-absence data and time-of- detection data from a four-year camera trap survey to evaluate whether hunting may alter the occurrence patterns and activity patterns of ungulates and large rodents with respect distance from Maxus Road and Waorani settlements.

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