Características reprodutivas de onças-pintadas (Panthera onca) machos, mantidos em cativeiro

Ejaculate traits, testicular volume and plasma testosterone levels were determined once every two months for one year in 4 adult male jaguars (Panthera onca) housed at the São Paulo Zoo, SP, Brazil. Semen samples was collected by electroejaculation and analyzed for pH, total volume, motility (0-100%), status (0-5), total spermatozoa count and morphology. Blood samples was obtained by cephalic venipuncture immediately before the onset of electroejaculation and stored at -20ºC until assay of testosterone by RIA. Using a calliper, the length and width of each testis was measured and the values were combined to determine the testicular volume. Semen analyses demonstrated a high percentage of structurally abnormal sperm (mean = 51%) and low rates of motility (50.6%) and status (2.2). No correlation was found between semen traits, plasma testosterone and testicular volume (Spearman s test). No season variation was detected throughout the year for semen traits, plasma testosterone and testicular volume (p>0.05, Friedman s test). The results of this study suggest that the captive jaguars in Brazil are not seasonal, and that semen collections can be performed throughout the year without a perturbation in overall ejaculate quality. However, underlying causes of high percentages of structurally abnormal sperm, found in captive jaguars, need to be investigated mainly to improve semen quality.Quatro onças pintadas (Panthera onca), machos, adultos, mantidos no Zoológico de São Paulo (SP-Brasil), foram submetidos a avaliação seminal, quantificação hormonal e biometria testicular a cada dois meses pelo período de um ano. As amostras de sêmen foram obtidas por eletroejaculação e analisadas quanto ao pH, volume total, motilidade (0-100%), vigor (0-5), espermatozóides totais e morfologia. Amostras de sangue foram obtidas pela punção da veia cefálica imediatamente antes da eletroejaculação e o plasma foi estocado a -20ºC até a realização do radioimunoensaio para quantificação de testosterona. Comprimento e largura dos testículos direito e esquerdo foram obtidos com auxílio de paquímetro e os valores obtidos foram combinados para a obtenção de volume testicular. As amostras de sêmen mostraram elevado índice de espermatozóides morfologicamente anormais (média = 51%), baixos índice de motilidade (50,6%) e vigor (2,2). Não foi encontrada correlação entre as características seminais, níveis plasmáticos de testosterona e volume testicular (Teste de Correlação de Spearman). Não foi detectado efeito da estação durante o ano para qualidade espermática, testosterona sérica e volume testicular (p>0,05, Teste de Friedman). Os resultados sugerem que as onças pintadas mantidas em cativeiro não são sazonais e que a colheita e avaliação espermática podem ser realizadas em qualquer período do ano sem que haja perda na qualidade espermática. No entanto, as causas de elevado índice de espermatozóides morfologicamente anormais, encontrados neste estudo, devem ser investigadas.Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Departamento de Reprodução AnimalInstituto Brasileiro de Meio Ambiente CENAP Pró-CarnívorosAssociação Fundação Parque Zoológico de São PauloUniversidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde AnimalUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Unidade EndócrinaUNIFESP, EPM, Unidade EndócrinaSciEL

Características reprodutivas de onças-pintadas (Panthera onca) machos, mantidos em cativeiro

Ejaculate traits, testicular volume and plasma testosterone levels were determined once every two months for one year in 4 adult male jaguars (Panthera onca) housed at the São Paulo Zoo, SP, Brazil. Semen samples was collected by electroejaculation and analyzed for pH, total volume, motility (0-100%), status (0-5), total spermatozoa count and morphology. Blood samples was obtained by cephalic venipuncture immediately before the onset of electroejaculation and stored at -20ºC until assay of testosterone by RIA. Using a calliper, the length and width of each testis was measured and the values were combined to determine the testicular volume. Semen analyses demonstrated a high percentage of structurally abnormal sperm (mean = 51%) and low rates of motility (50.6%) and status (2.2). No correlation was found between semen traits, plasma testosterone and testicular volume (Spearmans test). No season variation was detected throughout the year for semen traits, plasma testosterone and testicular volume (p>;0.05, Friedmans test). The results of this study suggest that the captive jaguars in Brazil are not seasonal, and that semen collections can be performed throughout the year without a perturbation in overall ejaculate quality. However, underlying causes of high percentages of structurally abnormal sperm, found in captive jaguars, need to be investigated mainly to improve semen quality.Quatro onças pintadas (Panthera onca), machos, adultos, mantidos no Zoológico de São Paulo (SP-Brasil), foram submetidos a avaliação seminal, quantificação hormonal e biometria testicular a cada dois meses pelo período de um ano. As amostras de sêmen foram obtidas por eletroejaculação e analisadas quanto ao pH, volume total, motilidade (0-100%), vigor (0-5), espermatozóides totais e morfologia. Amostras de sangue foram obtidas pela punção da veia cefálica imediatamente antes da eletroejaculação e o plasma foi estocado a -20ºC até a realização do radioimunoensaio para quantificação de testosterona. Comprimento e largura dos testículos direito e esquerdo foram obtidos com auxílio de paquímetro e os valores obtidos foram combinados para a obtenção de volume testicular. As amostras de sêmen mostraram elevado índice de espermatozóides morfologicamente anormais (média = 51%), baixos índice de motilidade (50,6%) e vigor (2,2). Não foi encontrada correlação entre as características seminais, níveis plasmáticos de testosterona e volume testicular (Teste de Correlação de Spearman). Não foi detectado efeito da estação durante o ano para qualidade espermática, testosterona sérica e volume testicular (p>;0,05, Teste de Friedman). Os resultados sugerem que as onças pintadas mantidas em cativeiro não são sazonais e que a colheita e avaliação espermática podem ser realizadas em qualquer período do ano sem que haja perda na qualidade espermática. No entanto, as causas de elevado índice de espermatozóides morfologicamente anormais, encontrados neste estudo, devem ser investigadas

Achieving conservation through cattle ranching: The case of the Brazilian Pantanal

Cattle ranching in the ~140,000 km2 Brazilian Pantanal is considered one of the most important cases of sustainable use of natural resources in the global south. The region has had a successful history of balancing environmental protection with the production of >3.8 million cattle. However, global change, infrastructure projects, and deforestation, threaten the sustainable use of the Pantanal. Here, using Ostrom's design principles as a framework, we interviewed 49 local stakeholders and conducted a review of secondary information aiming to evaluate the sustainability of cattle ranching practices across the region and the threats to it. We show that well-defined property boundaries, congruence between appropriation and provision rules through low-intensity cattle ranching, and co-management of resources, are all key components for achieving sustainability in the Pantanal. However, we documented shortcomings in satisfying critical aspects of Orstrom's design principles. Specifically, we argue that the Pantanal needs better biodiversity and behavior monitoring, the creation of platforms or mechanisms to solve local conflicts around resource access and use, recognition by governments and international bodies of the local efforts to promote local sustainability, and the creation of networks effectively connecting existing sustainability initiatives

OCORRÊNCIA DE PATÓGENOS EM CARNÍVOROS SELVAGENS BRASILEIROS E SUAS IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A CONSERVAÇÃO E SAÚDE PÚBLICA

OCCURRENCE OF PATHOGENS IN BRAZILIAN WILD CARNIVORES AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION AND PUBLIC HEALTH.  Several outbreaks caused by pathogens caused declines in wild carnivore populations in the last decades. In addition to the negative impact to wild populations, there is a concern about the transmission of some of these agents to humans and domestic  animals. In fact, environmental alterations have resulted in changes in the pathogen-host relation. Therefore, monitoring health of wild animals is considered an important component in programs for control or eradication of diseases and in the public and animal health politics and for the management and conservation of wild species. Considering the role of mammals of the order Carnivora in the trophic chain, they might be used as “sentinels”, working as strategic targets in programs of surveillance of important pathogens for public and animal health. We review in this paper case-studies of the main pathogens that occur in wild carnivores, emphasizing species of the Brazilian fauna. We also discuss laboratorial methods used in studies of exposure of Brazilian wild carnivores to pathogens, as well as strategies to minimize the impacts in these populations caused by that exposure, and methods for controlling the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in wild carnivores. Key-words: Order Carnivora; conservation medicine; zoonosis; epidemiology; fauna management.OCURRENCIA DE PATÓGENOS EN CARNÍVOROS SALVAJES BRASILEÑOS Y SUS IMPLICACIONES PARA LA CONSERVACIÓN Y LA SALUD PÚBLICA. Diversos brotes epidémicos causados por agentes patógenos han provocado una severa reducción de las poblaciones de carnívoros salvajes en las últimas décadas. Además de este impacto sobre las poblaciones silvestres, existe la preocupación de que haya transmisión de algunos de estos agentes a la población humana y de animales domésticos. De hecho, las alteraciones ambientales han provocado cambios en la relación patógeno-hospedero. De esta forma, el monitoreo de la salud de animales silvestres es un componente importante en el establecimiento de programas de control y erradicación de enfermedades y en la elaboración de políticas de salud pública y animal y de manejo y conservación de especies salvajes. Considerando el papel de los mamíferos del orden Carnivora en la cadena trófica, éstos pueden ser usados como “centinelas”, siendo objetivos estratégicos en programas de vigilancia para detección de patógenos. Siendo así, en este artículo serán revisados estudios de caso de los principales patógenos que afectan a carnívoros salvajes, con énfasis en las especies de la fauna brasileña. Los métodos de laboratorio utilizados en los estudios de exposición de los carnívoros brasileños a patógenos serán discutidos así como consideraciones sobre estrategias para minimizar sus impactos sobre la fauna silvestre y los posibles métodos para el control de patógenos causantes de zoonosis en carnívoros. Palabras clave: Orden Carnivora; medicina de la conservación; zoonosis; epidemiología; manejo de fauna.Diversos surtos epidêmicos, causados por agentes patogênicos, provocaram severo declínio em populações de carnívoros selvagens. Além deste impacto às populações silvestres, há a preocupação da transmissão de alguns destes agentes à população humana e de animais domésticos. De fato, as alterações ambientais têm provocado mudanças na relação patógeno-hospedeiro. Desta forma, o monitoramento da saúde de animais silvestres é importante componente no estabelecimento de programas de controle e erradicação de doenças e na elaboração de políticas de saúde pública e animal e de manejo e conservação de espécies selvagens. Considerando o papel dos mamíferos da ordem Carnivora na cadeia trófica, estes podem ser usados como “sentinelas”, sendo alvos estratégicos em programas de vigilância para detecção de patógenos. Sendo assim, neste artigo revisamos estudos de caso dos principais patógenos que acometem carnívoros selvagens, com ênfase nas espécies da fauna brasileira. Discutimos ainda os métodos laboratoriais utilizados nos estudos de exposição dos carnívoros brasileiros e fazemos considerações sobre estratégias para minimizar os impactos da exposição à patógenos, bem como os possíveis métodos para controle de patógenos causadores de zoonoses em carnívoros

Avaliação da capacidade de penetração de sêmen congelado de onça pintada (Panthera onca) em oócitos heterólogos

Assisted reproductive technologies can be viewed as one potential approach for safeguarding wild species. In this study were evaluated the fertility of captivity male jaguar (Panthera onca) and different capacitation media using the golden hamster zona free oocyte penetration assay. We used frozen/thawed semen from 3 animals housed at Bosque dos Jequitibás, Campinas/SP, to test the Percoll gradient, Swim-up and Swim-up + 1 h incubation (5% CO2 / 38°C), considering as penetration the spermatozoa head descondensation visualized within the oocyte. The results rate was greater for Percoll (26.5%) as compared to Swim-up (8.1%) (X2 = 19.93; p < 0.05). It was not observed penetration with Swim-up + 1 h incubation (5% CO2 / 38°C). It is concluded that Percoll and Swim-up are efficient methods to perform the golden hamster zona free oocyte penetration assay using frozen/thawed jaguar (Panthera onca) spermatozoa. The low rate of penetration could be related to the high rate of morphological abnormal spermatozoa observed in the samples examined.A aplicação de técnicas de reprodução assistida em espécies selvagens ameaçadas de extinção surge como método alternativo com o intuito de minimizar a diminuição da variabilidade genética das populações. Com o objetivo de determinar a fertilidade de onças pintadas (Panthera onca) mantidas em cativeiro e avaliar a eficácia dos meios de capacitação espermática, foi realizado o ensaio de penetração em oócitos de hamster livres de zona pelúcida. Para a realização do experimento, foi utilizado sêmen congelado de 3 animais do Bosque dos Jequitibás, Campinas/SP. Foram testadas 3 técnicas: Percoll, Swim-up e Swim-up + 1 hora em estufa de CO2 a 38ºC, considerando como oócitos penetrados aqueles que apresentaram no seu interior a descondensação da cabeça do espermatozóide. A média de penetrações da técnica Percoll (26,5%) foi significativamente maior comparada à técnica Swim-up (8,1%), sendo que não houve penetração utilizando a técnica Swim-up + 1 hora em estufa de CO2 a 38°C (x² = 19,93; p < 0,05). Analisando os resultados, concluímos que as técnicas Percoll e Swim-up foram eficientes para a realização do ensaio de penetração, comprovando a capacidade de penetração dos espermatozóides de onças pintadas (Panthera onca), pós-descongelamento, em oócitos de hamster livres de zona pelúcida. Porém, houve uma baixa porcentagem de penetração, a qual pode estar associada ao elevado índice de espermatozóides morfologicamente anormais. Mais estudos devem ser conduzidos com a finalidade de avaliar a fertilidade destes animais e até que ponto a variabilidade da espécie pode estar comprometida

Illuminating big cat movements: does moonlight influence Jaguar space use in the southern Pantanal?

In light of increasing levels of habitat loss and modification, knowledge on the environmental factors that influence space use by large carnivores emerges as crucial for effective conservation efforts. Despite a growing body of literature exploring moonlight influence on the activity of felid apex predators, its effects on jaguars (Panthera onca) remain largely understudied - including in the Brazilian Pantanal. This wetland is currently undergoing significant human-driven changes with the expansion of agricultural activities, and retaliatory killing of jaguars arises as one of the main threats to the species' persistence. Here we studied the influence of variation in nocturnal luminosity on jaguars' space use in the southern Pantanal. We analyzed GPS data of collared jaguars in fields potentially used as pastures considering the distance to the closest forest and luminosity in the context of low, medium and high moonlight intensities. We found that although jaguars tend to remain close to forest surroundings throughout the lunar cycle, they venture deeper in pastures under medium to high moonlight illumination. We suggest that jaguars' pasture use at our study site fits the predation risk hypothesis, where species at higher trophic levels tend to be more active with moonlight as it allows for greater predation success - especially considering that forest edges can provide shelter and facilitate stalking of cattle. Although we did not focus on predation success in our analysis, we recommend herds to be kept away from forest edges and the placement of physical barriers (e.g. fences) to prevent opportunistic jaguar attacks - especially on brighter nights.Debido a los crecientes niveles de pérdida y modificación del hábitat, el conocimientode los factores ambientales que influyen en el uso del espacio de los grandes carnívoros resulta crucialpara esfuerzos de conservación efectivos. A pesar de un creciente cuerpo de literatura que explorala influencia de la luz de la luna en la actividad de los depredadores ápice félidos, sus efectos sobrelos jaguares (Panthera onca) siguen siendo en gran parte poco estudiados - incluso en el Pantanalbrasileño. Este bioma está experimentando cambios significativos impulsados por el ser humanocon la expansión de las actividades agrícolas, y la matanza de jaguares como represalia surge comouna de las principales amenazas para la persistencia de la especie. Estudiamos la influencia de lavariación en la luminosidad nocturna en el uso del espacio de los jaguares en el sur del Pantanal.Analizamos datos de GPS de jaguares con collar en campos potencialmente utilizados como pasturasconsiderando la distancia al bosque más cercano y la luminosidad en contextos de luz de luna debaja, media y alta intensidad. Descubrimos que, aunque los jaguares tienden a permanecer cercade los alrededores del bosque durante todo el ciclo lunar, se aventuran más profundamente en lospastizales bajo una luz de luna media a alta. Sugerimos que el uso de pastos de jaguares en nuestrositio de estudio se ajuste a la hipótesis del riesgo de depredación (predation risk hypothesis), donde lasespecies en niveles tróficos más altos tienden a ser más activas con la luz de la luna, ya que permiteun mayor éxito de depredación, especialmente considerando que los bordes del bosque puedenproporcionar refugio y facilitar el acecho al ganado. Aunque en nuestro análisis no nos enfocamos enel éxito de la depredación, recomendamos que los rebaños se mantengan alejados de los bordes delbosque y la colocación de barreras físicas (e.j. cercas) para prevenir ataques oportunistas de jaguares,especialmente en las noches más brillantes.In light of increasing levels of habitat loss and modification, knowledge on the environmental factors that influence space use by large carnivores emerges as crucial for effective conservation efforts. Despite a growing body of literature exploring moonlight influence on the activity of felid apex predators, its effects on jaguars (Panthera onca) remain largely understudied - including in the Brazilian Pantanal. This wetland is currently undergoing significant human-driven changes with the expansion of agricultural activities, and retaliatory killing of jaguars arises as one of the main threats to the species' persistence. Here we studied the influence of variation in nocturnal luminosity on jaguars' space use in the southern Pantanal. We analyzed GPS data of collared jaguars in fields potentially used as pastures considering the distance to the closest forest and luminosity in the context of low, medium and high moonlight intensities. We found that although jaguars tend to remain close to forest surroundings throughout the lunar cycle, they venture deeper in pastures under medium to high moonlight illumination. We suggest that jaguars' pasture use at our study site fits the predation risk hypothesis, where species at higher trophic levels tend to be more active with moonlight as it allows for greater predation success - especially considering that forest edges can provide shelter and facilitate stalking of cattle. Although we did not focus on predation success in our analysis, we recommend herds to be kept away from forest edges and the placement of physical barriers (e.g. fences) to prevent opportunistic jaguar attacks - especially on brighter nights

Jaguar status, distribution and conservation in south-eastern South America

The jaguar Panthera onca has experienced a significant reduction in its global distribution, particularly in south-eastern South America. This chapter conducts an extensive assessment of the jaguar's distribution, population status, and threats in this region, encompassing Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern and eastern Bolivia, and south-eastern Brazil. Spanning 8.3 million km², this area contains diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands, making it of global conservation significance. To assess jaguar distribution and population size, we employed a comprehensive dataset, expert opinions, and ecological models, categorising jaguar population status into four classes: Extinct, Possibly Extinct, Possibly Extant, and Extant. We estimated that jaguars are extant in 20% of their historical range, with potential existence in an additional 14%, primarily located in fragmented habitat patches. The Pantanal, Northern Chaco, and Chiquitano together emerge as a population stronghold, while the Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, and Eastern Cerrado exhibit lower jaguar occurrence. Country-level assessments indicate that the jaguar is extinct in Uruguay and has decreased extensively in distribution in Argentina and Paraguay. Bolivia retains substantial jaguar populations, particularly in the Chaco, Chiquitano, and Pantanal regions. South-eastern Brazil, despite extensive historic range loss, harbours a significant jaguar population, especially in the Pantanal and Cerrado. Our study underscores the importance of evaluating under-researched regions like the Bolivian Andes, Chiquitano Forest, Humid Chaco, Caatinga, and the Cerrado. Additionally, it highlights the need for conservation efforts in the Pantanal, northern Chaco, and the Chiquitano for the jaguar’s conservation. Moreover, our findings emphasise the urgency to restore populations and connectivity in the Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, and southern Chaco. Conservation priorities are habitat preservation, the maintenance of prey availability and landscape connectivity, and the reduction of hunting to secure jaguar populations in south-eastern South America.Fil: Thompson, Jeffrey James. Parque Ecológico Asunción Verde; Paraguay. Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología; Paraguay. Instituto Saite; ParaguayFil: Paviolo, Agustin Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; ArgentinaFil: Morato, Ronaldo Gonçalves. Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade; BrasilFil: Jedrzejewski, Wlodzimierz. Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas; VenezuelaFil: Tortato, Fernando Rodrigo. Panthera; Estados UnidosFil: de Bustos, María Soledad. Administración de Parques Nacionales; Argentina. Fundación Biodiversidad Argentina; ArgentinaFil: Reppucci, Juan Ignacio. Fundación Biodiversidad Argentina; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Jaguares en el Límite; ArgentinaFil: Perovic, Pablo Gastón. Fundación Biodiversidad Argentina; Argentina. Jaguares en el Límite; ArgentinaFil: Negroes, Nuno. Conservación Amazónica; BoliviaFil: Romero Muñóz, Alfredo. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; AlemaniaFil: Rumiz, Damián Ignacio. Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado y Fundación Simón I. Patiño; BoliviaFil: Cruz, María Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; ArgentinaFil: de Angelo, Carlos Daniel. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente.; Argentina. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; ArgentinaFil: Quiroga, Verónica Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Centro de Zoología Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Barros, Yara. Parque Nacional do Iguaçu; BrasilFil: Foster, Vania. Parque Nacional do Iguaçu; BrasilFil: Velilla, Marianela. Parque Ecológico Asunción Verde; Paraguay. Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología; Paraguay. Instituto Saite; Paraguay. University of Arizona; Estados UnidosFil: Srbek, Ana C.. Universidade Vila Velha; BrasilFil: De Campos, Claudia Bueno. Institute for the Conservation of Neotropical Carnivores; BrasilFil: Breitenmoser, Urs. Foundation KORA; SuizaFil: Breitenmoser, Christine. Foundation KORA; Suiz

Eight basic principles for the elaboration of public policies and development projects for the Pantanal

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2024 The Author(s). Conservation Science and Practice published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society for Conservation Biology. The Pantanal is considered the largest continuous freshwater wetland in the world, and its sustainable use requires a unified conceptual framework. The lengthy process to establish public policies has contributed to the increasing vulnerability of the Pantanal. Given the need for a conceptual basis to help this process, we elaborate a list of eight basic principles based on the accumulated scientific evidence: (i) Consider the Paraguay River Basin a management unity; (ii) Establish rules that follow the concept of restricted use approach; (iii) Ensure the ecologically sustainable use of the Pantanal; (iv) Maintain the environmental heterogeneity and functionality in the Pantanal landscapes; (v) Maintain the hydrological integrity and connectivity; (vi) Ensure the environmental representativeness of the protected areas network; (vii) Provide economic incentives for conservationist use of the land; and (viii) Recognize and protect traditional people, their values, resources, and way of living. However, the elaboration of public policies should be a participatory and inclusive decision‐making process towards a more just and sustainable future