Coyote, ñeque, single cat, deer and other wild animals are seen daily in the reverted areas of the town of Ancón, within which the areas of Clayton, Albrook, Amador, among others, are located.
Some residents comment that they are used to living with them; However, others claim that the coyote population in particular has increased and they feel invaded.
“These animals are not native to Panama. In these areas there are not one or two coyotes, they are entire packs and they are entering the neighborhoods at night and also destroying the deer,” said Juan José Ramírez, Clayton Homeowners and Residents Association (APRECLA). Ramírez called on the authorities in charge to find a solution.
Erick Núñez, national director of biodiversity at MiAmbiente, explained that “in reverted areas of the community, the residences are in contact with the forested areas. In this case, the wild animals that are most seen are the single cat, raccoon and lately coyotes.”
Regarding the situation expressed by residents that these animals represent a problem for the community, “it must be understood,” said Núñez, who indicated that these animals normally provide themselves with their resources (food from the forest), but what happens when they reside? human beings next to their natural habitat? They will have easy availability of food that is not for them, but they change their behavior and begin to visit those places where they find food waste.
The biologist and director of the Adopta Bosque Panamá Association, Guido Berguido, expressed that “none of these animals represent a danger to human beings, unless abnormal situations occur. “They should not be controlled or removed, they are in their natural environment.”
Wildlife is protected by law, if a person mistreats or kills one of these animals there are fines of $100 to $5 thousand.
ml | Recently, the representative of the town of Ancón Yamireth Batista expressed concern about the growing presence of wild animals, including coyotes, in the communities of the reverted areas. In addition to coyotes, the presence of raccoons and single cats stood out, whose proliferation is generating concern among residents.
The representative pointed out that, in the surroundings of the Ancón Community Board, officials have reported fears of going out during night hours due to the presence of coyotes. Given this, Erick Núñez, national director of biodiversity at MiAmbiente, pointed out that “we have some activities scheduled, meetings with the Community Board and another larger one with residents to educate and give recommendations.”
**Given the legal protection of wildlife in Panama, how can authorities balance the needs of both human communities and animal populations when addressing concerns about potential conflicts?**
## World Today News - Interview: Living in Balance with Wildlife in Panama
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing a growing concern in Panama: the increasing presence of wildlife, particularly coyotes, in reverted areas like Ancón, Clayton, and Albrook. We’re joined by two experts: Erick Núñez, National Director of Biodiversity at MiAmbiente, and Guido Berguido, Biologist and Director of the Adopta Bosque Panamá Association.
**Section 1: Coexistence and Conservation**
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Núñez, the article mentions that residents have mixed feelings about the presence of coyotes and other wildlife. Some see them as a natural part of the landscape, while others feel threatened. How can we strike a balance between human development and protecting these animals?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Berguido, you mentioned that these animals don’t pose a significant danger to humans unless provoked. Could you elaborate on this? What measures can residents take to avoid potential conflicts with wildlife?
**Section 2: Understanding Wildlife Behavior**
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Núñez, the article suggests that the easy availability of food waste is attracting wildlife into residential areas. What steps can be taken to manage waste effectively and discourage animals from scavenging?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Berguido, can you shed light on the natural behavior of coyotes and other animals mentioned in the article? What are their typical feeding patterns and social structures? Understanding their behavior can help us create more sustainable solutions.
**Section 3: Addressing Community Concerns**
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Núñez, MiAmbiente has scheduled meetings with residents to address their concerns. What kind of education and recommendations will be presented?
* **Interviewer:** Ms. Batista, the representative of Ancón, expressed fears among residents, particularly regarding nighttime safety. How does the community plan to address these fears and ensure the well-being of both humans and wildlife?
**Section 4: Legal Framework and Responsible Engagement**
* **Interviewer:** Both experts, the article mentions that wildlife is protected by law in Panama. Could you elaborate on the existing legal framework and the penalties for harming wildlife?
* **Interviewer:** How can citizens become actively involved in promoting responsible interactions with wildlife? What are some resources available for those who want to learn more or get involved in conservation efforts?
**Conclusion**:
Thank you both for your insightful contributions. The issue of wildlife in urban areas is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach. By fostering dialog, understanding animal behavior, and implementing responsible management strategies, we can strive for a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in Panama.
