New research project on the situation of the mongoose in Castilla-La Mancha

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    A new research project, led by researchers from IREC and IESA, studies the situation of the mongoose populations in Castilla-La Mancha, their ecological relationships and the perception of the species from certain sectors. The project is financed by the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha and FEDER funds.

    The mongoose (Ichneumon herpes) is a medium-sized carnivore of African origin whose distribution in Europe is restricted to the southwestern quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula. The lack of fossil records led us to believe until recently that its arrival in Europe was the result of introductions by man in historical times, but recent genetic studies support that it could have reached Iberia naturally in prehistoric times. In recent decades the species has expanded to the North and East from the southwestern quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula. However, Castilla-La Mancha is the only region where there are no studies on its situation and possible expansion. In recent years, demands have arisen from the hunting sector to authorize the control of their populations due to the damage that, according to this sector, it would exert on some species of small game. This research project aims to generate scientific knowledge about the situation of the mongoose populations in Castilla-La Mancha, its possible geographical and numerical expansion, its impact on certain game species and the perceptions of the species from different social groups. To this end, different methodologies will be used, including: questionnaires for different groups, field sampling, distribution and expansion models, live capture, marking and radio-monitoring, estimates of the density of mongoose and their prey, analysis of droppings and estimates of the predation impact. The ultimate goal of the project is to provide the regional administration with scientifically based information that allows decisions to be made to make the conservation of mongoose populations compatible with the socioeconomic activities of the region. A team made up of ecologists and sociologists from the Institute for Research in Hunting Resources (IREC), the Institute for Advanced Social Studies (IESA) of the CSIC, INIA and the University of Malaga participate in this project.

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    Reference: "Mongoose in Castilla-La Mancha: distribution, abundance, population trends, effects on its prey and social perception (MELOCAM)" Ref: SBPLY/17/180501/000184. 2018-2021. Funding: Castilla-La Mancha Community Board and European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). Principal investigators: Pablo Ferreras (IREC-CSIC) and Miguel Delibes-Mateos (IESA-CSIC). Contact: pablo.ferreras@uclm.es