Work

Co-building knowledge on human-puma conflict: A case study in a village of the Argentine Puna ecoregion

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Human-carnivore conflicts threaten the survival of large carnivore populations and impose high costs for humans. Knowledge co-building approaches can be successful for tackling these problems. We examined conflicts between the puma (Puma concolor) and pastoralists from an Argentine Puna village through semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion. According to data from the community, 6% of livestock were killed by pumas in 2017, causing an estimated US $14,340 loss. Interviewees perceived pumas as dangerous and hunted them to protect livestock. Predation and diseases were identified as major causes of livestock losses, and infrequent checks on livestock, livestock being free-ranging, and an increase in the puma population were underlying causes of predation. Interviewees mentioned direct economic costs and indirect and hidden costs as consequences of livestock loss. Given that social factors are important drivers in human- wildlife conflicts, we highlight the importance of engaging the community during conflict research and management.

Source: Human Dimensions of Wildlife

DOI: 10.1080/10871209.2021.1954267

Authors: M. Alejandra Cocimano, A. Sofía Nanni, Andrea E. Izquierdo

Institutions: National University of Tucumán, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas

Language: English

Topic: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funders: Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Fondo para la Investigación Científica y Tecnológica