In grazing areas, guanacos are seen as competitors with livestock for forage. Many factors can affect the presence and habitat use of guanacos in Northern Patagonia: some pressures are environmental (e.g., forage supply, water) and others are human (e.g., hunting, disturbance, fencing). The goal of this project was to develop a participatory research model with rural elementary schools from communities that have historical and current contact with the guanaco to study the influence of these factors on guanaco population movements. By involving communities in direct contact with the populations of guanacos (Zaina Yegua, Sanico, Cerro Alto) we expect to foster a change in the valuation of the species and in turn obtain quality information on key guanaco habitats.
Through outings and various activities, elementary school children learned and shared knowledge about the animals in their environment, and were asked what else they would like to know. Among the topics were those related to the past and present distribution of the guanaco, and the hunting/use relationship of past and present communities. The perception students get from their parents is that “there are not as many guanaco as before” and we discussed factors potentially contributing to this perception. This also led to consideration about the environmental requirements of the guanaco and how the species reacts to human and livestock presence.
We also worked to develop GPS-based maps illustrating field observations of guanaco and livestock relative to landscape features like wetlands, streams and roads, to invite the communities to think about how humans interact with nature, natural resources (water, food, shelter) and wildlife.
All of these engagement efforts provide the basis for next steps, which will include capturing and collaring guanaco in collaboration with local mule drivers, ranch owners and community members connecting to the schools involved in our project. ($9,800)