Human–wildlife interactions in a rural Amazonian community: Linking productive land use, domestic animals and local perceptions

Carlos N.; Cornejo F.M. · Neotropical Biology and Conservation (2026) · DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.21.e178289

Resumen

In tropical biodiversity hotspots, understanding the socio-ecological aspects of human-wildlife interactions is crucial for effective conservation. This study offers an integrated assessment of the Campesino Community of Corosha in the Peruvian Amazon. Using 155 household surveys, we characterised the productive landscape, documented the presence of wildlife and analysed local perceptions. First, we describe a community dependent on subsistence agriculture, where most families (92.9%) have chacras (agricultural plots), mainly growing tubers (85.4%) with frequent daily visits (66.7%). Second, we report a high prevalence of domestic animals (~ 80% of households), creating a multi-species interface, with poultry (52.9%) and cattle (43.6%) exhibiting high disease rates. Notably, domestic dogs were identified as significant predators, responsible for 83.3% of recorded wildlife hunting events (n = 12). Third, perception analysis reveals a dual co-existence: while wildlife is culturally valued, negative perceptions prevail (63.2%), primarily due to crop damage (51.6%) and are strongly linked to rodents (49.7%) and parrots (33.5%). These interconnected findings across various aspects, including livelihoods, animal health, predation and human perception, highlight the need for an integrated One Health approach. We recommend that conservation strategies combine participatory crop protection, community-based animal health programmes and environmental education to support sustainable co-existence in Amazonian communities. © Nancy Carlos & Fanny M. Cornejo.

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur