Conserving the terecay (Podocnemis unifilis, Testudines: Pelomedusidae) through a community-based sustainable harvest of its eggs

摘要: Abstract The exploitation of South American river turtles as a food source has long been considered the main factor contributing to decline populations. Along stretch Aguarico River (Ecuador), we investigated spatial and temporal distribution terecay (Podocnemis unifilis) nests, factors affecting nest outcome, effect offering reward for each hatchling captured on pattern egg consumption by local human community. Flooding influence mortality appears be particularly important in this Amazonian region, destroying 63.1% all nests. This amount nests resulted more than sufficient satisfy community’s needs (28.2%). proposed ensured voluntary participation Cofan people conservation project, leading to: (i) being harvested only from sites where there were likely no hatching possibilities, (ii) efficient management protection nesting beaches with abolition poaching adult females, (iii) transplantation that would flooded (and whose yield exceeds consumption). Therefore, argue area are both biologically socially favourable conditions establishment sustainable harvest eggs. Possible determining high due flooding area, well opportunities make project evolve toward economic self-sustainability, will also discussed.