Factors influencing local attitudes and perceptions regarding jaguars Panthera onca and National Park conservation in Panama

Rural Panamanians' tolerance towards jaguars and National Park conservation is significantly influenced by factors such as education, land ownership, and gender. The study, conducted in Cerro Hoya and Darién National Parks, found that depredation events were more frequent in Darién but conflict with coyotes was reported only in Cerro Hoya. Positive perceptions of jaguars and parks increased with higher education levels and land ownership. Men showed greater openness to mitigation efforts and tolerance towards jaguars compared to women. Residents highly appreciated their respective National Parks, indicating a need for improved community outreach and education initiatives to foster coexistence.

Fort, J. L., Nielsen, C. K., Carver, A. D., Moreno, R., & Meyer, N. F. V. (2017). Factors influencing local attitudes and perceptions regarding jaguars Panthera onca and National Park conservation in Panama. Oryx, 52(2), 282–291. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0030605317001016