ANALYSIS OF THE CONFLICT BETWEEN WILDLIFE AND RURAL PRODUCERS IN TWO COMMUNITIES OF BALANCÁN, TABASCO, MÉXICO

Abstract

The expansion of human beings towards rural areas has increased the contact and occasional conflict with wild fauna. This study analyzes the conflict between wild fauna and rural producers in two ejidos of southeastern México. Interviews were carried out with inhabitants devoted to agricultural, livestock and commercial production in the ejidos. It was found that the lands most affected were used for agriculture and livestock production. The species with highest incidence of conflict were the coyote (Canis latrans) and the birds, as well as domestic cats and dogs. The producers use agrochemicals to poison baits and thus control the pest fauna, while others use firearm hunting. The types of conflict vary from the depredation of animals, to the destruction of crops. It is necessary to analyze in detail the relationship that rural producers have with wild fauna to achieve better use and conservation. The results are the first approximations to the understanding of the fauna-man conflict in eastern Tabasco, México.