Human-jaguars coexistence: social factors influencing jaguar conservation in Southern Bolivia

CARUSO FLAVIA; TÁLAMO ANDRÉS; PEROVIC PABLO; SILLERO-ZUBIRI CLAUDIO; ALTRICHTER MARIANA

Kempffiana

Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado

Año: 2021 vol. 17 p. 1 - 17

1991-4644

Jaguar (Panthera onca) populations are declining in Bolivia because of human activity. Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of local people toward threatened species and the factors that can influence them is crucial for their protection. This study evaluated how local people?s knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards jaguars in southern Bolivia varied depending on their gender, level of education, age, and occupation. We interviewed 139 people who live in and around two protected areas: Tariquía National Reserve and Aguaragüe National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area. Positive perceptions and attitudes towards jaguars were found among those who have higher levels of formal education and among those who are currently students. Results show that negative attitudes and perceptions towards the species were more prevalent among farmers, older people or those with no schooling. These negative attitudes were determined by fear as jaguars were seen as a potential threat to life. Socioeconomic factors influencing the level of tolerance towards jaguars were related to other socioeconomic factors besides potential economic loss. Our results can inform the design, orientation, execution, and evaluation of future species conservation projects in Bolivia.