MANAGING WILDLIFE AS COMMONS: A CASE STUDY IN MÉXICO

Desde 1997, el ejido Ajuchitlan Santiopan implemento reglas de aprovechamiento del venado cola blanca ( Odocoileus virginianus mexicanus ). Paralelamente registro una Unidad de Manejo para la Conservacion de la Vida Silvestre (UMA), pretendiendo una caza sustentable. Esto implico un co-manejo entre regulacion local y federal. En Mexico existe insuficiente conocimiento de estos procesos y de las repercusiones que generan en los ejidos. El objetivo del estudio fue comprender (desde la percepcion de los pobladores) la relacion entre la creacion de la institucion local y el establecimiento de la UMA, utilizando la perspectiva teorica de recursos de uso comun (RUC). Se realizaron entrevistas, listados libres, observacion participante y consulta documental. De los entrevistados, el 46 % considero que algunas leyes federales afectan tradiciones, y mencionaron que el 20 % dejo de respetar reglas ejidales. Sin embargo, 78 % reconocio importante mantener la UMA, porque: genera empleos temporales, incremento la abundancia de venados y suscito la reintroduccion natural de especies ya extintas en el ejido. El 100 % coincidio en que la UMA es el factor principal de conservacion de especies silvestres. Para continuar con este proceso es esencial replantear colectivamente objetivos de aprovechamiento y estrategias de vigilancia, ante las condiciones actuales. White-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus mexicanus ) use regulations were implemented by the ejido Ajuchitlan Santiopan, since 1997. In parallel, the ejidatarios registered a Management Unit for the Conservation of Wildlife (UMA), seeking its sustainable hunting. This involved a co-management between local and federal regulation. The knowledge on these types of processes is sparse in Mexico, and of the impact that they generate in the ejidos. The aim of this study was to understand (from the perception of the inhabitants) the relationship between the creation of the local institution and the establishment of the UMA, using the theoretical perspective of common pool resources (CPR). In-depth interviews, free listings, participant observation and documentary consultation were conducted. Of those interviewed, 46% felt that some federal laws affect traditions, and mentioned that 20% failed to comply with ejido rules. However, 78% said that is important to maintain the UMA, because: it creates temporary jobs; it increased deer abundance and it promoted a natural reintroduction of extinct species in the ejido. Everybody were agreed that main factor for wildlife conservation is the UMA. An essential issue to continue this process is the collective rethinking of achievement targets and monitoring strategies, given the current conditions.