Participatory Rural Appraisal and Compensation Intervention: Challenges and Protocols While Managing Large Carnivore–Human Conflict

Abstract

When large carnivores cause socioeconomic losses in a community, conflict increases, retaliatory killing of the carnivore can occur, and conservation efforts are undermined. We focused on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and economic compensation schemes as approaches for managing conflict. PRA is a tool for collecting data on the large carnivore–human conflict and economic compensation schemes for those affected negatively by carnivore presence. We reviewed published papers and reports on large carnivore–human conflicts, PRA, and compensation schemes. This article details insights into common pitfalls, key lessons learned, possible solutions including new approaches for compensation and protocols to be followed while managing large carnivore–human conflict. We hope to contribute to a meaningful dialogue between locals, managers, and researchers and help in effective implementation of conservation programs to mitigate large carnivore–human conflict around the protected areas.

Keywords:

• PRA
• large carnivores–human conflict
• compensation
• livestock depredation
• data collection protocols

Acknowledgments

This article would not have been possible without the help and support of a number of people who contributed their time, expertise, and advice to whom we owe a great debt. Particularly, we thank Mr. Ravi Singh, Dr. Sejal Worah, Dr. Diwakar Sharma, and Dr. Dipankar Ghose for their valuable support. We also thank two anonymous reviewers and Professor Jerry Vaske for providing valuable comments on the article.