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Autosomal DNA data from Peru for human identity testing purposes are scarce in the scientific literature, which hinders obtaining an appropriate portrait of the genetic variation of the resident populations. In this study we genetically characterize five populations from the Northeastern Peruvian Andes (Chachapoyas, Awajun, Wampis, Huancas and Cajamarca). Autosomal short tandem repeat (aSTR) and identity informative single nucleotide polymorphism (iiSNP) data from a total of 233 unrelated individuals are provided, and forensic genetic parameters are calculated for each population and for the combined set Northeastern Peruvian Andes. After correction for multiple testing in the whole dataset of the Northeastern Peruvian Andes, the only departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in locus rs2111980. Twenty one out of 27 aSTR loci exhibited an increased number of alleles due to sequence variation in the repeat motif and flanking regions. For iiSNPs 33% of the loci displayed flanking region variation. The combined random match probability (RMP), assuming independence of all loci (aSTRs and iiSNPs), in the Chachapoyas, the population with the largest samples size (N = 172), was 8.14 x 10(-62) for length-based data while for sequence-based was 4.15 x 10(-67). In the merged dataset (Northeastern Peruvian Andes; N = 233), the combined RMP when including all markers were 2.96 x 10(-61) (length-based) and 3.21 x 10(-66) (sequence-based). These new data help to fill up some of the gaps in the genetic canvas of South America and provide essential length- and sequence-based background information for other forensic genetic studies in Peru.

Background Wildlife has been traditionally used by forest communities as a source of protein, and the Peruvian Amazon is no exception. The articulation of colonist and indigenous communities to urban centers and markets results in changes in livelihood strategies and impacts on wildlife populations. To address the threat of overhunting and forest conversion, we provide a generalized characterization of colonist and indigenous communities and their hunting activities near Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru. Methods A semi-structured household survey was conducted to characterize hunters and describe their prey collections. The data were analyzed by conducting a Kruskal-Wallis test, a multiple regression analysis, and by estimating the harvest rate (H). Results Less wealthy households were more actively engaged in hunting for food security and as a livelihood strategy. Additionally, older hunters were associated with higher hunting rates. Although the percentage of hunters was relatively low, estimated hunting rates suggest overharvesting of wildlife. Lowland pacas (Cuniculus paca) were the most frequently hunted prey, followed by red brocket deer (Mazama americana) and primates. While hunting intensity was not significantly different between indigenous and colonist communities, hunting rate disparities suggest there are different types of hunters (specialized vs. opportunistic) and that prey composition differs between communities. Conclusion Close monitoring of wildlife populations and hunting activities is ideal for more accurately determining the impact of hunting on wildlife population and in turn on forest health. In lack of this type of information, this study provides insight of hunting as a shifting livelihood strategy in a rapidly changing environment at the forest/agriculture frontier. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13002-018-0247-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Las investigaciones de los últimos años permiten identificar a unos caciques como unos importantes actores en el escenario colonial y sacan a la luz a unas etnias desconocidas. Revelan también los fuertes agravios que sufrieron. El artículo trata de iluminar sucesos y casos en el siglo XVI en los departamentos de Chachapoyas y de Huallaga basados en trabajos de campo en arqueología y antropología y en investigaciones en los archivos de la historia peruana. Les recherches les plus récentes ont permis de mettre en relief le rôle majeur de certains caciques dans la vie coloniale et ont sorti de l’ombre des ethnies inconnues, ainsi que les sévères abus dont elles furent victimes. Cet article s’efforce de mettre en lumière des faits qui datent du XVIè siècle et se situent dans les départements de Chachapoyas et de Huallaga. Ce travail s’appuie sur des travaux de terrain en archéologie et en anthropologie ainsi que sur des recherches dans les archives péruviennes. Recent investigations permit us to identify some caciques as important actors in the colonial era and to identify some previously unnamed ethnic groups. They also reveal the extent that natives suffered from severe repression. This article highlights specific sixteenth century examples in the Chachapoyas and Huallaga regions, based on anthropological and archaeological fieldwork as well as research in Peruvian historical archives.