Barriers and benefits to tree kangaroo conservation in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

In this study we aimed to assess the perceived impacts of a Western conservation program, the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP), on communities in the Yopno, Uruwa, Som landscape in Papua New Guinea, with regard to local livelihoods, tradition and culture, hunting and wildlife populations. We interviewed 104 households from across the landscape to gain a broad understanding of perceptions of people in different geographic locations and community roles. Interviews were analysed using the framework approach for applied policy research and hunting data extracted from interviews was analysed using general linear models. Interview data showed that 91 % of respondents perceived hunting activity to have decreased, 73 % did not perceive the program to have changed local culture and 96 % perceived animal abundance, including that of Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei), to be increasing. Results of general linear models showed that households consumed significantly more livestock than wild meat, and that participants with steady cash incomes consumed significantly more livestock than others. Threats of conservation blackmail and retribution against wildlife, for lack of services were captured in the study, ho however, further dissemination and uptake of alternative income programs including coffee and cocoa farming, which are in their infancy in many areas, I may ease landowner grievances. It is crucial that the benefits of interventions that limit use of and access to natural resources are clear and the actual benefits of biodiversity conservation are dissentangled from other services that are provided, especially in areas where provision of services is weak. Impacts on local traditions and culture were perceived to be negligible, however the decline the use of local languages remains a feasible possibility, with Tok Pisin and English being the more universal languages that facilitate greater engagement and opportunities with TKCP programs.