Evaluation of the human-otter conflict in central Veracruz, Mexico: recommendations for mitigation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Evaluating human–wildlife conflict is necessary to reach positive long-term management solutions and aid the conservation of biodiversity. We used indirect approaches to evaluate the Human–Neotropical otter conflict in three river basins with high fishing activity in western Mexico and provided recommendations to mitigate the conflict by identifying the variables that increase the risk of predation of ponds by otters. Human–Otter conflict was moderate, and the opinions of community members toward otters were mostly negative, particularly those of the fishing sector. However, after offering environmental education workshops, the number of people recognizing the importance of protecting the species increased, which could result in the acceptance and tolerance toward otters. Avoiding building ponds at ground level and covering ponds with metal mesh, especially in fish-farms located in the middle and upper areas of rivers, as explored with fish-farmers, merits more experimentation, since it could be a good means for reducing the conflict.