STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF CAPYBARA (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) POPULATIONS IN AN OPEN AREA AND IN A PRESERVATION UNIT: MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVES

  • Camila Ferreira da Silva Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná
  • Edson Fontes de Oliveira Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná
  • Elissa Mariana Faria da Cunha Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná
Keywords: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, Fauna Management, Population Dynamics, Density, Birth Rate

Abstract

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is a wild animal of high economical and social importance found throughout Brazil. Some exceeding populations exist in the state of Paraná and cause agricultural liabilities, risks to public health through ectoparasite infestation and the consequent dissemination of disease. Population studies show important factors such as density, birth and mortality rates, age distribution, biotic potential, dispersion and growth form. Management of wild fauna is highly relevant for species outside their natural equilibrium, which may be implemented within and outside protected areas. Current analysis compares the structure, dynamics and management potential between two capybara populations. Results show that the population of the Arthur Thomas Park (Londrina/PR)has a relatively higher reproduction potential when compared to the population of the Jaboti Lake (Apucarana/PR) due to its abundance and proportions of young animals. Current analysis reveals the importance of analyzing structural and dynamic standards of a determined population for the elaboration of a protocol of activities for their management aiming at recovery, conservation or control of the population size.

Author Biographies

Camila Ferreira da Silva, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná
Graduada em Ciências Biológicas pela Faculdade de Apucarana – FAP, Especialista em Educação e Gestão Ambiental pela Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná - UTFPR, Campus Londrina. E-mail de correspondência: milinhafs88@hotmail.com
Edson Fontes de Oliveira, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná
Doutor em Ecologia de Ambientes Aquáticos Continentais pela Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM, Docente da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná – UTFPR, Campus Londrina
Elissa Mariana Faria da Cunha, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná
Graduada em Ciências Biológicas pela Faculdade de Apucarana – FAP, Especialista em Educação e Gestão Ambiental pela Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná - UTFPR, Campus Londrina
Published
2013-02-26
Section
Environment