Análisis espacial del hábitat de la vicuña en una Comunidad Campesina en la Reserva Paisajística Nor Yauyos Cochas

Abstract

In Peru, research and practices that contribute to Andean natural resources’ sustainable management are needed. The Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve is home to a wild vicugna population, which can be viewed as a key resource for conservation and sustainable development. However, some activities of Tanta Peasant Community impact negatively on vicugna’s habitat. The research aimed to determine spatial relations and impacts of Tanta’s activities on vicugna’s habitat and distribution over communal territory. A participatory mapping workshop was applied to determine vicugna’s actual distribution and local activities that could influence vicugna’s habitat. The species’ potential habitat was estimated with a species distribution model named Maxent. Spatial relations between vicugna’s actual distribution, its potential habitat and communal activities were analysed. Results indicate that potential habitat is determined by environmental conditions, while human presence and domestic livestock determine vicugna’s actual distribution. Based on the research process, recommendations relating vicugna’s sustainable management in the study area are given. The results are valuable to local community and conservation agents. Main contributions consist in generating a space for exchanging knowledge during the workshop, as well as the integration of analysis methods in physical and human geography.