Title
Building a constituency for jaguar conservation: Reducing human-jaguar conflict and increasing jaguar survival in the eastern section of the Buffer Zone of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala.
Author(s)
García Anleu, R.; McNab, R. B.; Polisar, J.; Lepe, M.; Ponce Santizo, G.; Mohan, N.; Radachowsky, R.
Published
2014
Abstract
Summary of the experience: The goal of this project was to build a jaguar conservation constituency in and around the MBR Buffer Zone. We did this through three objectives: (1) reduce negative perceptions of jaguars among ranchers, the communities where they live, and other stakeholders, (2) increase implementation of human-jaguar conflict management techniques among ranchers, and (3) improve communication about human-jaguar conflicts and jaguar conservation among ranchers and their communities, government authorities, and other stakeholders in the MBR buffer zone. Main achievements and progress: This project combined outreach and capacity building programs to improve communication between ranchers and authorities, using simple tools from environmental education to the implementation of pilot projects. Activities included: 1) collecting data on the current state of knowledge about jaguar ecology, mitigation techniques and attitudes about human-jaguar conflict, and jaguar conservation behaviors; 2) designing and implementing an outreach program; and 3) training in management techniques that decrease the incidence of conflicts with jaguars and livestock. The beneficiaries of the project were the ranching communities in the eastern section of the MBR buffer zone. Additional beneficiaries were the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA), the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), and local Guatemalan NGOs. Main limitation and proposed action: One of the limitations of the project was our lack of success in reaching large landowners. They have shown disinterest in government and NGO support, perhaps stemming from a relative lack of economic need and a greater fear of intervention. In our case, this meant that a significant part of the landscape never provided meaningful opportunities for participation and engagement with the project. To reach large-scale ranchers, an untested but potentially effective approach may consist of a certification initiative that provides status/pride and some degree of recognition from government and civil society. This possibility holds the promise of a more committed role for national institutions responsible for biodiversity conservation (such as CONAP) and merits further exploration. We recognize that certification programs face challenges related to financial incentives and sustainability, but consider it a topic worth exploring in Guatemala and elsewhere in the jaguar's range.
Keywords
Jaguar; cattle ranching; livestock management techniques; Maya Biosphere Reserve -RBM; Reserva de la Biosfera Maya -RBM; management techniques; management techniques
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PUB26827