Conflicts between wildlife and humans are a complex and growing problem, particularly for the conservation of the species involved in the conflict. Despite the existence of studies analysing this issue in the Neotropics, gaps in geographical and/or thematic knowledge about this discipline remain open. Ecuador is home to an important number of studies focused mainly on the identification of species involved in conflicts. However, the country's coast, particularly the southwest dry forests, has remained untouched by this topic. This study was carried out in the communities surrounding the Tumbesia La Ceiba Natural Reserve, Zapotillo canton, in southern Ecuador. Using a semi-structured interview, applied to local inhabitants, we were able to identify, categorize, and define the frequency, causes, and attitudes towards conflicts with the sector's wildlife. Six types of conflicts were identif...

Conflicts between wildlife and humans are a complex and growing problem, particularly for the conservation of the species involved in the conflict. Despite the existence of studies analysing this issue in the Neotropics, gaps in geographical and/or thematic knowledge about this discipline remain open. Ecuador is home to an important number of studies focused mainly on the identification of species involved in conflicts. However, the country's coast, particularly the southwest dry forests, has remained untouched by this topic. This study was carried out in the communities surrounding the Tumbesia La Ceiba Natural Reserve, Zapotillo canton, in southern Ecuador. Using a semi-structured interview, applied to local inhabitants, we were able to identify, categorize, and define the frequency, causes, and attitudes towards conflicts with the sector's wildlife. Six types of conflicts were identif...

The diet of Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia punensis) was studied in four territories in the Jambelí archipelago, El Oro, southwestern Ecuador, from November 2015 to April 2016, collecting 182 pellets. Arthropods were the main prey group in frequency of occurrence (86.5%), followed by mammals (12%) and birds (1.5%), but mammals (Mus musculus and Rattus rattus) contributed 58.5% of the biomass, arthropods 33.2% and birds 8.2%. No significant differences were found in the diet among the four pairs studied. Our study confirmed the important role of Athene cunicularia as predator of pests like introduced rodents and potentially harmful arthropods.

Estudiamos la dieta del búho terrestre Athene cunicularia punensis en cuatro territorios dentro del archipiélago de Jambelí, provincia de El Oro, suroeste de Ecuador, entre noviembre de 2015 y abril de 2016, mediante la recolección y análisis de 182 egagrópilas. Los artrópodos constituyeron el principal grupo-presa en frecuencia de aparición (86.5%), seguido por los mamíferos (12%) y las aves (1.5%). En cuanto a biomasa consumida, los mamíferos (Mus musculus y Rattus rattus) aportaron 58.5%, los artrópodos 33.2% y las aves 8.2%. No encontramos diferencias significativas de la dieta entre las cuatro parejas estudiadas. En este trabajo se confirmó el rol de Athene cunicularia como un importante depredador de plagas como roedores introducidos y artrópodos potencialmente dañinos.