Knowledge about Big Cats Matters: Insights for Management

Jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor) populations are declining in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest because of habitat loss, depletion of prey, and human persecution. People living in proximity to big cats can affect... [ view full abstract ]

Jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor) populations are declining in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest because of habitat loss, depletion of prey, and human persecution. People living in proximity to big cats can affect the sustainability of these predators through illegal killing and conservation practices. To avoid further population decline and potential local extinction, we need to promote peaceful coexistence between people and the big cats. Research suggests that emotions (e.g., fear) and attitudes influence the acceptability of these species. Increasing knowledge about pumas through education or communication strategies might mitigate harmful interactions and promote coexistence. We assessed the influence of local people’s factual knowledge about jaguars and pumas on fear of these big cats, attitudes toward big cats, and the acceptability of big cats. We also examined the influence of demographics (i.e., age, gender) on knowledge. Data were obtained from 326 rural residents living adjacent to two protected areas located in a pristine fragment of the Atlantic Forest: Alto do Ribeira State Park and Intervales State Park. Although factual knowledge did not influence attitudes, knowledge was related to fear of big cats (F = 6.68, p = .001) and to acceptability of these species in the wild (F = 4.05, p = .018). Individuals that were more knowledgeable about big cats were less afraid and more tolerant of jaguars and pumas. Men and adults were more knowledgeable about big cats than women and younger people. Findings suggest that local knowledge matters, as it can affect tolerance for big cats and potentially reduce people-big cat conflict. Although encounters between people and big cats are rare in the Atlantic Forest, the willingness of residents to coexist with jaguars and pumas is important when implementing ecological corridors to connect different jaguar populations. Results also suggest that conservation efforts should focus on women and youth. Further investigation is recommended to assess whether factual knowledge leads to more tolerance over time.