HUNTING AND USE OF WHITE-TAILED DEER IN MAYAN COMMUNITIES

Abstract

The objective of present study was to determine the current importance of hunting and use of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), as part of livelihood strategies in four Mayan communities: Nunkiní, Sahcabchén, Pich and Chencoh, all located in Campeche state, México. From March 2013 to September 2015, 215 structured interviews were conducted, recording three hunting modalities: opportunist, way o spy (espiadero) and drive hunting (batida); from which they hunt 33 wildlife species in Nunkiní village, 28 in Sahcabchén; 42 in Pich and 31 in Chencoh. According to analyzed data from Use Value Index (IVUs), O. virginianus had the highest importance in the four communities studied (IVUs=0.4-0.6) with seven products for eight purposes. Food, medicine, adornment and commerce are the most significant use categories for this species. The White-tailed deer hunting that is currently practiced by Mayan communities is part of their strategies of multiple use of animal resources; hence the diversified utilization of this deer is a diagnostic measure of the importance it has in the subsistence of indigenous communities in Campeche.The objective of present study was to determine the current importance of hunting and use of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), as part of livelihood strategies in four Mayan communities: Nunkiní, Sahcabchén, Pich and Chencoh, all located in Campeche state, México. From March 2013 to September 2015, 215 structured interviews were conducted, recording three hunting modalities: opportunist, way o spy (espiadero) and drive hunting (batida); from which they hunt 33 wildlife species in Nunkiní village, 28 in Sahcabchén; 42 in Pich and 31 in Chencoh. According to analyzed data from Use Value Index (IVUs), O. virginianus had the highest importance in the four communities studied (IVUs=0.4-0.6) with seven products for eight purposes. Food, medicine, adornment and commerce are the most significant use categories for this species. The White-tailed deer hunting that is currently practiced by Mayan communities is part of their strategies of multiple use of animal resources; hence the diversified utilization of this deer is a diagnostic measure of the importance it has in the subsistence of indigenous communities in Campeche