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Large ranches as conservation tools in the Venezuelan llanos

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

Rafael Hoogesteijn  and
Colin A. Chapman
Rafael Hoogesteijn
Affiliation:
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Newins Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Colin A. Chapman
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, 223 Bartram Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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Abstract

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Traditionally, wildlife conservation efforts have concentrated on the establishment of national parks and reserves. Additional strategies are needed if we are to conserve more than a small proportion of the world's natural habitats and their wildlife. One such strategy is the application of wildlife conservation regulations by private land owners on their properties. This paper uses examples of ranches in the seasonally flooded llanos of Venezuela to evaluate if effective wildlife conservation can coexist with sustainable wildlife use and cattle production. Income estimates derived from cattle production data varied among ranches from $US7.1 to $US26.4 per ha, while estimates of potential additional income through regulated capybara Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris and caiman Caiman crocodilus exploitation ranged up to $US7.7 per ha. The economic benefits of capybara and caiman harvests can be realized only by protecting wildlife habitat. Thus, it is suggested that large ranches in the llanos can play a major role in wildlife conservation as well as provide economic gains for those involved. Common denominators for success are: personal involvement of owners, effective patrolling systems, co-operation of neighbouring ranchers in patrolling activities, and ranches being located far from densely populated areas. For the programmes to succeed in the long term, government and conservation agencies will need to give more support to landowners.

Type
Research Article
Information
Oryx , Volume 31 , Issue 4 , October 1997 , pp. 274 - 284
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1997

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