Assessment of hunting status in Chehelpa protected area, Khuzestan province, Iran

Illegal and heavy hunting of small and isolated populations of wildlife, particularly threatened species, can result in local extinctions. Thus, access to accurate and comprehensive statistics of hunting in each area is essential for seeking to develop appropriate strategies. This study is based on a survey of hunting status of in Chehelpa protected area (Khuzestan province) through considering the perspective of local communities. Surveys using questionnaires and discussions with hunters (50 respondents) and other local communities (450 respondents) were carried out to understand the hunting patterns and frequency of hunting. A majority (70%) of respondants said that hunting is carried out mainly for recreation, commonly for obtaining a trophy specimen. Overall, 85% of the hunters reported that animal species were hunted illegally. Most hunters (75%) interested in hunting within team group. They often go in groups of two or three persons. Fifty percent of the hunters estimated population size of wild goat (Capra aegagrus) about 200-300 individuals. The following suggestions will assist in minimizing illegal hunting in this region: collaborating key stakeholders in law enforcement and wildlife management planning; strengthening reliance between local communities and environmental organisations; developing approachs to reduce human-wildlife conflicts; to discourage local unfounded beliefs about medicinal and traditional uses of wildlife products; development of appropraite and acceptable alternatives for income generation (such as eco-tourism) and to encourage patronage of locally made products.