Distribution of arapaima (Arapaima gigas) (Pisces: Arapaimatidae) in Bolivia: implications in the control and management of a non-native population

Guido Miranda-Chumacero,Robert Wallace,Gonzalo Calderón,Teddy Siles,Darío Chuqui,Marcelo Guerrero,Phil Willink,Hailín Calderón,Kantuta Lara

doi:10.3391/bir.2012.1.2.09

Guido Miranda-Chumacero, Robert Wallace + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3391/bir.2012.1.2.09

Copy DOI

Abstract

The introduction and establishment of arapaima (Arapaima gigas) in southeastern Peru and northwestern Bolivia is an example of a fish species that appears to be increasingly common and widespread in non-native portions of its range, but whose populations are on the decline within its native range. The arapaima is overfished and considered threatened throughout its native range in the Central Amazon. We gathered and examined data on the distribution of fish and wildlife in the Takana II Indigenous Territory in Bolivia, near the arapaima’s reported initial invasion zone in Peru. Results confirmed the presence of arapaima in several water bodies where local people have also reported a strong decline in native fish populations. Further south in the Takana I Indigenous Territory, monitoring of fisheries by local communities (2002-2008), including observations on arapaima catches, indicate that until 2008 arapaima had not been reported in the area. However in 2009, there were reports of arapaima in the Undumo stream. Our results demonstrate that since the first presence of arapaima in Bolivia at the beginning of the 1980s, it has steadily expanded its distribution. We propose actions to mitigate this situation by managing and controlling populations of this invasive and endangered species, as well as improving income for indigenous communities.

Highlights

Arapaima [Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822)], known as paiche in Bolivia and Peru and as pirarucú in Brazil, is one of the most emblematic species of the Amazon and the focus of numerous studies (Migdalaski 1957; Hrbek et al 2005; Castello et al 2009). This giant fish is native to the Central Amazon where it has long been over-exploited by humans as a source of food (Figure 1) (Hrbek et al 2007)
Using data from surveys of fish communities conducted by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Centro de Investigación y Preservación de la Amazonía (CIPA) in northern Bolivia, we identified all water bodies in the region considered to have valid records of arapaima presence either confirmed by direct observation by CIPA ichthyologists or by the capture of a specimen with gill nets in aquatic biodiversity surveys
During periods of high water, such as have occurred recently in the Bolivian lowlands, there may have been an ephemeral connection between these river basins, providing a potential migration route for arapaima to the Mamoré River (Figure 2)

Summary

Introduction

Arapaima [Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822)], known as paiche in Bolivia and Peru and as pirarucú in Brazil, is one of the most emblematic species of the Amazon and the focus of numerous studies (Migdalaski 1957; Hrbek et al 2005; Castello et al 2009). This giant fish is native to the Central Amazon where it has long been over-exploited by humans as a source of food (Figure 1) (Hrbek et al 2007). The species reproduces at a round 1.5 m in length and exhibits parental care (Queiroz, 2000)

Methods

Results

Conclusion