Impacts of Hunting Pressure on Forest Ecosystems

• Grant number: 24/18433-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Márcio Leite de Oliveira
• Grantee: Márcio Leite de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Universidade de Araraquara (UNIARA). Associação São Bento de Ensino. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Christos Astaras ; Cíntia Mazon Parola ; FÁBIO LOPES PEREIRA ; Fernando de Camargo Passos ; Guilherme Rossi Gorni ; Marcus Rowcliffe ; Mayara Caroline Felipe
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/10456-9 - Conducting field experiments, screening, and analysis of hunting activity data, BP.TT; 24/22487-3 - Characterization of hunting activity in Brazil, BP.IC

Abstract

Understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of hunting is essential for managing protected areas as well as for comprehending its impact on wildlife. This understanding also allows for the targeting of patrols to areas with higher hunting pressure. A promising way to estimate hunting pressure is through the use of autonomous bioacoustic recorders combined with artificial intelligence tools. However, a technological process needs to be developed to accurately describe the spatial and temporal distribution of hunting and, together with parallel monitoring of wildlife, understand its impacts on the ecosystem. Therefore, the aim of the present project is to estimate hunting pressure in both space and time and assess its effects on forest ungulate species and the ecosystem. To achieve this, we will set up a 5,000 ha sampling grid in the Iguaçu National Park, where each of the 26 plots will have a bioacoustic recorder and three camera traps, which will operate for two years. We will also conduct a preliminary experiment to record gunshots from different types of weapons and ammunition at varying distances from the recorders, in order to train algorithms for identifying these sounds. We will develop two technological processes based on artificial intelligence algorithms. The first will be a system for automated analysis of the records obtained from the camera traps, extracting data associated with these records, and subsequently modeling occupancy, estimating density, and determining the activity period of multiple species. The second will be a practical process for using bioacoustic recorders, with automated data analysis via artificial intelligence, to detect hunting activities and direct patrols. We aim to evaluate the impact of hunting on the environment by testing its influence on the density, occupancy, and activity of ungulates, as well as by assessing soil contamination by lead and the consequent intoxication of earthworms. (AU)