Developing local-driven adaptive management for coexistence between humans and leopard cats

Abstract

Coexistence between humans and wildlife is the ultimate conservation goal. However, management approaches often centre on protecting species and their habitats rather than considering the perspectives of impacted communities. Working towards sustainable solutions, this study aimed to develop local-driven adaptive management plans that maximise conservation success without sacrificing local well-being, using a case study of the endangered leopard cat in Taiwan. We integrated the adaptation framework for human–wildlife coexistence into a choice experiment to examine farmers’ preferences for various adaptation strategies to identify optimal conservation efforts for social welfare. In addition, we explored the determinants of their willingness to participate in different management alternatives. Our results confirmed the existence of heterogeneity in farmers’ preferences and heterogeneity factors were subsequently identified. Behaviour change interventions should be carefully customised for specific social groups, considering their distinct perspectives. Findings also reveal the most preferred strategies: ‘Installation of appropriate fencing system to protect poultry’ and ‘Alternative non-invasive methods to control rodents to reduce secondary poisoning of wildlife’. The maximum willingness to participate in these two strategies was 11.058 and 9.267 hours/month/household, respectively. We then developed three future scenarios for coexistence in accordance with respondents’ favoured strategies, serving as guidelines for effective and adaptive conservation programmes. Our empirical evidence provides insights into local preferences for wildlife management, specifically leopard cats, as well as practical recommendations for policymakers and conservation professionals.