Wildlife conservation in the cultural landscapes of the central Andes

The inhabited areas of the central Andean highlands are cultural landscapes, long dominated by land uses associated with subsistence agriculture. The wildlife remaining in these landscapes includes rare and endangered species, useful species, and those that can cause economic losses to local residents. Despite a general lack of relevant scientific investigations, it is important that wildlife concerns be included in rural development and nature reserve projects. This is best done by a three-prong approach that (1) improves the coverage, protection, and management of national parks and nature reserves; (2) integrates the control and management of wildlife into development projects focused on Andean communities; and (3) promotes species-specific programs that target endangered, useful or nuisance species of special concern.