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Guatemalan Community Manages Forest, Protects Wildlife
14 Oct
Summary
- Camera traps capture 26 mammal and bird species in Uaxactun community-managed forest
- Vulnerable species like Baird's tapir avoid high human access areas
- Large mammals play crucial role in forest health and carbon storage
According to a study published in Conservation Biology last month, researchers from Washington State University (WSU) have discovered a model where humans and wildlife can coexist in a forest without harming the environment. The study, led by Lucy Perera-Romero, focused on the Uaxactun community-managed forest in Guatemala, where residents engage in legal logging and subsistence hunting.
The research team used camera traps over two seasons to take photos of 26 mammal and bird species across 1,500 square kilometers. Local hunters and birders familiar with the terrain assisted in the effort. The findings indicate that while the community-managed forest supports similar species richness as protected areas, some vulnerable species like Baird's tapir and white-lipped peccary avoid areas with high human access.
The study also emphasizes the crucial role of large mammals in maintaining forest health. These animals spread seeds and help store carbon, which is vital for climate stability. The Uaxactun community's successful forest management practices, recognized by the Forest Stewardship Council certification, have been hailed as a model for sustainable use and conservation.
