Addressing conflict between fishermen and the Titicaca Grebe (Rollandia microptera) through diet analysis

Abstract

Human–wildlife conflict is often a driver of species declines, and understanding the material basis of this conflict is the first step in addressing it. The Titicaca Grebe Rollandia microptera is an endangered endemic species found solely in the Lake Titicaca watershed of Peru and Bolivia, and has experienced population declines due to fisheries bycatch. Human fishers often have negative opinions of the Titicaca Grebe, because they consider it as a competitor for declining fish stocks. We tested that assumption by an analysis of the bird's diet and found that the Titicaca Grebe does not compete with fishers for more lucrative fish species such as trout Oncorhynchus sp. and Pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis, but does compete for the less desirable (to human fishers) native Orestias sp.