…as concerns of wildlife decline in Rupununi grows
Commissioner of the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) Alona Sankar, has made a request on behalf of the GWCMC for hunters to respect the close of hunting seasons.
This comes on the heels of various leaders from the South Rupununi District, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) expressing concern about the lack of wildlife in the area just one week ago.
However, during an interview with this publication, Sankar said that hunting season is very important as the GWCW currently does not have proper databases to track how many animals are being lost, insinuating that if overhunting is happening, they cannot effectively monitor it.
“Currently, the GWCMC does not have baseline data; however, there are certain things that persons can do to be responsible for their hunting activities. So, for instance, we have established close seasons. The close seasons are there to protect the species during the time that they’re reproducing. You know, during the breeding season, when they have young, we have the close seasons. We have to respect the close seasons.”
So far there have been several reports emerging from the Rupununi District about the scarcity of wildlife. However, the commissioner made it very clear that overhunting may not be the only cause of this wildlife scarcity.
“We have gotten reports from Rupununi that there are species that they’re not seeing as much, and they’re harder to come by when they’re hunting. And so, the inference could be that there is overhunting. But then, there could also be other factors that we’re not aware of. So, I’m not definitively saying, yes, there is overhunting, just because.”
Some of these issues that were raised that can also be possible contributors to the scarcity in wildlife are also the climate.
“It’s important to understand what is taking place. So, we’re hunting, everyone, but are there any other activities that would drive the wildlife away? For instance, climate—if it’s so hot tonight, that would drive them further.”
Adding another layer on the possible causes of this are logging, mining, any kind of development activities. This point she raised in quite true as on the Linden to Lethem Trail there are scores of developments taking place and lots of Sand trucks constantly passing.
“So, throughout the country, if there are development activities going on, these are things we need to bear in mind generally, when we’re speaking about human-wildlife conflict, it’s usually when humans and wildlife come into close encounter, and there’s a negative effect on one or both, on the humans and wildlife, or both.
In fact, the GWCMC has already been experiencing calls from persons who live in areas where development is taking place stating that at times, they see animals wandering about when lands development is takin place.
“When you have developments, like when you’re clearing land for housing and so on, you might find that you would get calls from those areas about wildlife in close proximity. And there are going to be increased encounters like that. And so, what people need to understand is that when we’re clearing land, we’re clearing their habitat, and it’s to be expected that we’re going to have encounters.”
According to Sankar, the human wildlife conflict could be negative in the sense that livelihood is threatened, or someone’s life is threatened. It could also be negative in the sense that persons may feel uncomfortable, or just don’t like the wildlife.
On the other hand, she said that is negative for the wildlife because some species are not really meant to be in close proximity with Humans.
So, if they get uncomfortable, it disrupts their behavior and if they have young, it may scare them away from the young or it may impact their breeding if there’s too much disturbance in their habitat.
To combat this, there is one simple thing persons can do, she explained that there must be a management of animal and Human encounters.
“We just have to manage those encounters with Humans and animal so that there’s a best outcome for both humans and wildlife.
Meanwhile, Sankar pointed out that if hunting is the root cause, there are several steps in which Hunters in Guyana can take to lower the scarcity of wildlife.
“If you can distinguish male and female, then you’re trying, as far as possible. If you see a herd of animals, you don’t need to take the entire herd. If you’re hunting on a recreational basis, then you take what you need. Don’t take more than that,” she urged.
She also stated that hunters should get their licenses.
“If you’re going to engage in any kind of activity to harvest wildlife or sell wildlife, then get yourself licensed. This would help us to be able to keep track of the offtake. Once we have this, then we’d be able to make responsible decisions.”
The Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) establishes closed seasons for non-protected species based on a number of factors, including: The animals’ breeding habits, Hunting practices by indigenous peoples, and Stakeholder consultations.
During closed seasons, it is illegal to hunt, trade, or sell the species in question. Violators can face up to three years in prison and/or fines of up to $2,000,000. (G2)
