Subsistence hunting, bush meat consumption, and community regulations in voluntarily designated conservation areas in the Calakmul region, Campeche, Mexico

Abstract

Background: In 1989, the Mexican government established the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, and in 2017, ten voluntarily designated conservation areas (ADVCs) were certified, encompassing the territory of ten ejidos. By 2022, the region was characterized by a high incidence of conservation policies; strong governmental and community efforts to fulfill the objectives of the "Sembrando Vida" program; and a return to normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To understand the patterns of wildlife use in ten ADVCs in the Calakmul region, including the species used and the types of use, utilization practices, bushmeat consumption, and community rules. Methodology: Between March and May 2022, a total of 156 interviews were conducted, representing 18% of the existing household heads, along with 10 community workshops. Results: A total of 31 terrestrial wild vertebrate species were recorded as being used in some way. Of these, 74.2% were used for food purposes; 6.5% had medicinal uses; 13% were kept as pets; and 48% were hunted to prevent damage to crops, domestic animals, or people. The estimated annual per capita consumption of animal-based protein was 46.8 kg, with bushmeat contributing approximately 6%. Twenty species were reported as prohibited from hunting; nine species were explicitly permitted; and ten community rules for subsistence hunting were documented. Implications: The number of hunters and the consumption of bushmeat appears to have decreased due to the labor demands of the “Sembrando Vida” program, the economic support provided by the same program—which allows people to purchase alternative sources of animal protein—and the high incidence of conservation policies. Conclusion: The pattern of wildlife use described aligns with previous reports from the region and southeastern Mexico. However, the intensity of subsistence hunting and bushmeat consumption does not appear to remain constant year to year; it may increase during times of crisis (such as the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic) or decrease during periods of high labor demand, economic support, and increased conservation activity.