Hunting: a serious and understudied threat in India, a globally significant conservation region

Velho, Nandini, Karanth, Krithi K., and Laurance, William F. (2012) Hunting: a serious and understudied threat in India, a globally significant conservation region. Biological Conservation, 148 (1). pp. 210-215.

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Abstract

Hunting is one of the greatest conservation challenges facing tropical wildlife. Wildlife in Indian tropical forests are vulnerable to hunting, although data on hunting impacts from the region are limited. We use a meta-analysis of 143 hunting studies from India to identify the species and geographic regions most at risk, and to assess their legal protection. We found evidence of hunting in 114 mammal species, with larger-bodied mammals being particularly vulnerable. Although 75% of all studies focused on mammals, few actually quantified hunting impacts. Further, among studies of all terrestrial vertebrates where hunting was mentioned, only 6% focused exclusively on hunting. With further research, we expect that the suite of species known to be exploited by hunters will increase. We conclude that the Eastern Himalaya and Indo-Myanmar biodiversity-hotspot complex is particularly vulnerable to hunting. Quantitative studies of hunting impacts are urgently needed across India, especially in this biodiversity-hotspot complex.

Item ID: 22160
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 0006-3207
Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, bushmeat, hotspot, Himalayas, hunting, India, poaching, Western Ghats, wildlife
Date Deposited: 28 Jun 2012 16:10
FoR Codes: 05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050202 Conservation and Biodiversity @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960899 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity of Environments not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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