Using local actors’ perceptions to evaluate a conservation tool: the case of the Mexican compensation scheme for predation in Calakmul

ABSTRACT

Compensation schemes are important tools to counteract crop or livestock loss caused by wildlife of conservation concern. We adopted a research action approach that focused on local actors’ knowledge and evaluations of a compensation scheme for carnivore depredation on livestock in Mexico. We conducted 165 questionnaires with livestock producers in the Calakmul region, who rated criteria covering various aspects of the scheme’s functioning. Three-quarters of participants had heard of the scheme, but only half of those knew the scheme beyond its name. Satisfaction with the scheme’s operation was associated with ease of contacting staff, whereas satisfaction with the result of application related to trust in staff. Using local actors’ perceptions allowed us to reveal criteria used for shaping evaluations. Results were presented during participatory workshops that generated targeted recommendations such as focusing efforts on information reaching areas where producers are less aware of the scheme and vulnerable to predation.

KEYWORDS:

• Human-wildlife coexistence
• jaguar
• large carnivore
• monitoring and evaluation
• participatory management
• perception
• social approach

Acknowledgments

We are indebted to the many livestock breeders who contributed this study, especially those who became involved in its application, for their frankness and patience. We are grateful to Mauro Sanvicente, Antonio López (PRONATURA-PY), David Sima (Calakmul Biosphere Reserve), Morgane Nigon, Nayla Barrera-Mora, Andréanne Hains, and Laurie Mercier for their help in the field or during the workshops. We thank two anonymous reviewers for their useful comments on a previous version, and W.F.J. Parsons for carefully reviewing the manuscript. SC acknowledges the financial contribution of Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) and El Colegio de la Frontera Sur. LL was supported by a doctoral fellowship from UdeS. Research was carried out under permits 2015-1290 and 2014-94-LSH/Lecuyer granted by the Research Ethics Committee at UdeS. More information on this project can be found at https://bit.ly/3lzQMIT.