Guanacos and People in Patagonia

This book relates one of the most representative species of Patagonian wildlife, the guanaco, a camelid native to South America, to human societies across time, and explores how that relationship has changed over time due to different land uses and productive interests. The book provides information to understand these interactions, and contextualizes the current situation of this species. In some cases, it proposes possible solutions to conflicts, and also shows ongoing activities aimed at sustainable use and conservation.

The audience for this book includes researchers, graduate students, policymakers and conservation and rural development professionals. In addition, it will serve as a tool for application authorities and field technicians on the use and conservation of wildlife, to define management actions for this species.

Introduction: Taxonomy, distribution and conservation status of wild guanaco's populations
1. Zooarchaeological and socio-anthropological perspective of the human–guanaco (Lama guanicoe) interaction over the last 6000 years in the Patagonia, Argentina
2. Interspecific competition between guanacos and livestock and its impact on Patagonian rangelands: review and synthesis
3. Health status of Patagonian guanaco and its relevance for conservation
4. Patagonian pumas and their ungulate prey in the 21st century, a key interaction in a degraded environment
5. International policies and national legislation concerning guanaco conservation, management and trade in Argentina
6. Guanaco sustainable management as a conservation strategy and socioeconomic rural development
7. Historical perspective and current advances in ecology, conservation and management of the guanaco in the Chilean Patagonia
8. Lessons for the future of conservation and sustainable use of guanacos