Anthropogenic impact and its effects on terrestrial mammals in the Sector la Cuesta, Jipijapa, Ecuador

Abstract

The research evaluated the impact of anthropogenic activities on terrestrial mammals using a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach. Interviews with local residents, direct observation, camera trap monitoring, mapping in QGIS, and data analysis in Rstudio were used, correlating variables such as human activities, areas, and fauna. The results showed that the predominant economic activities are agriculture (57%), timber extraction (20%), livestock farming (13%), and tourism (11%). In the monitoring of disturbed and undisturbed areas, the most frequently recorded species were Eira barbara (22%), Dasyprocta punctata (16%), Didelphis marsupialis (13%), and Nasua nasua (13%), while Leopardus tigrinus had a lower presence (1%). It was determined that human activities in the La Cuesta sector have led to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and ecosystem degradation. Of the total study area, 83% (13.94 km²) shows no direct intervention, while 17% (2.83 km²) shows some degree of anthropogenic alteration. The findings highlight the need to implement sustainable management strategies to mitigate negative effects on wildlife and preserve the ecological integrity of the territory, prioritizing a balance between local productive activities and the preservation of natural resources.