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

COCIMANO, A.; SOFIA NANNI; A. E. IZQUIERDO

Human Dimension of Wildlife

Taylor and Francis Ltd.

Año: 2021

1533-158X

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 addressed the conflict between pastoralists from an Argentine Puna village and the puma (Puma concolor) through semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion. According to data provided by the community, 6% of livestock were killed by pumas in 2017, causing an estimated US $14,340 loss. Interviewees perceived the puma 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 free-ranging, and puma population increase were the 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