Determinants of attitudes towards wildlife in rural Taiwan and its implications for leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) conservation performance payment

Abstract

Context Conservation performance payment (CPP) is increasingly used to promote human–carnivore co-existence. The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a small felid, which suffers from high levels of anthropogenic mortality. In Taiwan, CPP has recently been introduced to stimulate leopard cat conservation in rural townships. A CPP scheme for leopard cats was pilot-tested in 2019, with the aim to enroll it to other rural townships in future. Aims We determined whether CPP has a positive impact on attitudes towards leopard cat. To assess whether attitudes are species-specific, we compare attitudes towards leopard cat to attitudes towards other small carnivores, namely gem-faced civet (Paguma larvata) and ferret badger (Melogale moschata), and to pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), a species with a similar conservation status. On the basis of our results, we discuss whether leopard cat CPP is likely to benefit biodiversity preservation as a whole. Methods We used a structured (pilot-tested) questionnaire to interview 164 respondents in three rural townships in which leopard cats occur in relatively high numbers compared to other townships. Key results People felt more positive about leopard cat and pangolin, species that were seen as appealing and rare, than about gem-faced civet and ferret badger. Whether species were perceived as causing poultry depredation or agricultural losses was a main reason behind attitudes. Attitudes varied among townships. With CPP, attitudes towards all species became more positive. However, more than a quarter of the respondents were skeptical about the effectiveness of CPP. Conclusions and implications On the basis of the species popularity and area requirements, leopard cats are a suitable flagship umbrella species. As such, leopard cat CPP is likely to promote biodiversity conservation in Taiwan, especially if other (unpopular) species are taken into account in the objectives of such a scheme. For CPP to be effective, it is important that such a program is participatory, has clear objectives, accurate systems to monitor program outcomes and provides sufficient long-term local benefits. With attitudes towards wildlife varying at a small geographical scale, there is a need for research prior to implementation of CPP, so it can be adapted to local requirements.