Distribution and relative abundance of peccaries in the Argentine Chaco: associations with human factors

In the Argentine Chaco, the three species of peccaries (Artiodactyla) are likely affected by habitat destruction and hunting, yet basic information on peccary distribution and status in this region is poorly known. This study identifies human factors associated with relative abundance and distribution of each species. Estimation of relative abundance was based on interviews with local hunters, and variables potentially related to distribution and relative abundance of peccaries were estimated for 153 circular sample sites of 10 km diameter in the Argentine Chaco. Peccaries were found in sites of high forest cover, low human density, far from towns and with low density of roads. After accounting for forest cover and other variables, number of settlements was identified as the main variable negatively associated with relative abundance of the three species, which may be a result of local hunting. Density of roads was also negatively associated with presence of chacoan peccaries. Collared peccary seems to be the least susceptible to human perturbations. It was the most widely distributed and found in a wider range of conditions than the other species. Chacoan peccary was relatively rare. Because colonization and development programs are increasing in the region, areas still uninhabited should be protected, construction of roads controlled, and hunting managed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.