Extent of nontimber resource extraction in tropical forests: Accessibility to game vertebrates by hunters in the Amazon Basin

摘要: Abstract: Extractive activities targeting a wide range of nontimber forest products ( NTFPs ) are ubiquitous in tropical forests, yet the extent structurally intact forests given region affected by this form cryptic disturbance is poorly documented. We conducted basin-wide geographic information system analysis nonmotorized accessibility Amazonian NTFP extraction and estimated proportion Amazon drainage basin within Brazil ( 3.74 million km 2 ) that can be accessed on foot from nearest navigable river or functional road. use long-term series standardized line-transect vertebrate censuses throughout to illustrate effects physical wildlife densities terms hunting pressure as function distance point access. Population abundance large-bodied, prime-target species preferred game hunters tended increase at greater distances access matrix, whereas small-bodied ignored usually showed reverse trend. In addition, we presumably inviolate core areas nature, extractive, indigenous reserves Brazilian Amazonia prohibitively remote unlikely overhunted; for instance, only 1.16% area strictly protected paper reasonably safe extractive targeted vertebrates other valuable NTFPs. Finally, discuss concept truly undisturbed wildlands last major regions distinguishing potentially overharvested those remain largely entirely pristine maintain viable populations full complement harvest-sensitive species.