EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SIMULATION MODEL OF TOLERANCE TOWARDS PRESENCE OF LARGE CARNIVORES: FIRST PHASE

The conflict between people and wildlife arises from negative interactions that people have with wildlife, whether predation, loss of agricultural productivity, loss of wild prey, or even human injuries or fatalities. These... [ view full abstract ]

The conflict between people and wildlife arises from negative interactions that people have with wildlife, whether predation, loss of agricultural productivity, loss of wild prey, or even human injuries or fatalities. These conflicts cannot be solved completely, since humans cannot negotiate with wildlife so they keep to their territories, stop preying on livestock or game, or stop eating crops. Therefore, humans need to mitigate the problem by taking action directed toward wildlife or human behavioral change. The latter can be assessed by analyzing the tolerance of individuals and communities with respect to specific wildlife-associated impacts. Tolerance towards large carnivores, for example, is the ability or willingness of humans to tolerate large carnivore presence and the risks involved in coexisting with them. Although tolerance is attitudinal and does not necessarily mean the individual or individuals will take action, assessing even the intention to engage in a particular behavior may prove difficult in some cultures, where people distrust outsiders or are afraid of repercussions. Difficulties of measurement notwithstanding, tolerance is a crucial factor that may stand between peaceful coexistence with humans and extinction of large carnivores. In a previous study, a theoretical model of tolerance towards the presence of large carnivores was presented. That model considers the main variables determining the cost-benefit ratio of large carnivore presence in a particular landscape. It also includes the most common strategies used for conflict resolution: environmental education, mitigation, and community participation. The objective of the present research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the simulation model. The first phase of this study, which will be the focus of this presentation, reviews the results of previous projects implemented by Cornell University to adjust the model and inform design of an online survey. We found that the main factors affecting tolerance remain the same as previously proposed in the model, although we added a fourth strategy for conflict resolution: regulations and their enforcement, which is a very important component in the USA. We believe applying this model can facilitate understanding the impact and efficiency of typical strategies in achieving conservation goals for large carnivores.