Testing the "Ecologically Noble Savage" Hypothesis: Interspecific Prey Choice by Piro Hunters of Amazonian Peru

• Published in: Human ecology : an interdisciplinary journal 1993-12, Vol.21 (4), p.355-387
• Main Author: Alvard, Michael S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Conservation; Deer hunting; Diet; Ecology; Environmental conservation; Ethnology; Foraging; Fowling; Human ecology, environment; Hunting; Indigenous peoples; Monkeys; Morphological source materials; Native peoples; Shotguns; Subsistence hunting; Wildlife conservation
• ISSN: 0300-7839; 1572-9915
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00891140

Native peoples have often been protrayed as natural conservationists, living in "harmony" with their environment. It is argued that this perspective is a result of an imprecise definition of conservation that emphasizes effects rather than actual behavior. Using foraging theory as a contrast, an operational definition of conservation is offered. Foraging theory assumes that foragers will behave to maximize their short-term harvesting rate. Hunting decision that are costly in terms of short-term harvest rate maximization, yet increase the sustainability of the harvest are deemed conservation. Using this definition, alternative hypotheses are tested using data on the inter-specific prey choice decisions of a group of subsistence hunters, the Piro of Amazonian Peru. Results indicate that hunters do not show any restraint from harvesting species identified as vulnerable to over-hunting and local extinction. Decisions are made that are consistent with predictions of foraging theory.