Attitudes Of Local People Research Articles

People’s Perceptions about the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Coastal Green Belt in Bangladesh

Understanding the perceptions and attitudes of local people towards afforestation is crucial for successful afforestation. To better understand the people's perceptions about the coastal green belt, we surveyed the Satkhira and Bhola districts during January 2021. A questionnaire survey of 200 respondents was conducted by a purposive and random sampling technique to obtain quantitative data. On the other hand, two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were performed to obtain qualitative data based on the diversity of age, sex, education, and occupation variables. We used to evaluate the respondent’s perceptions about the coastal green belt by 5-point Likert scale data. The majority portion of the people in our study area was poor and their profession was fisherman and housewife among males and women respectively. The majority of them agreed that the green belt helped them in numerous ways, to rear their cattle and built a house near the green belt, by promoting the growth of crops, and further protect them from different natural calamities by reducing wind velocity. Shelterbelts greatly enhance tourism in that area, improved communication facilities, and increase their socio-economic condition and values. Shelterbelt has long-term benefits, peoples have positive attitudes towards shelterbelt and they seek training to maintain this shelterbelt smoothly. Respondents wanted fruit tree species as shelterbelt species near the embankment. This information can be used for policy formulation in terms of successful plantation by considering people’s attitudes, which may work in both mitigation and adaptation of climate change in the coastal remote areas of Bangladesh.

Understanding Human–Canid Conflict and Coexistence: Socioeconomic Correlates Underlying Local Attitude and Support Toward the Endangered Dhole (Cuon alpinus) in Bhutan

Understanding human–canid conflict and coexistence must focus on documenting human–canid interactions and identifying the underlying drivers of reciprocal human attitude which enables appropriate strategies to minimize conflict and forge coexistence. The dhole (Cuon alpinus), Asia's most widely distributed wild canid, is highly threatened by human persecution and anthropogenic activities. Despite its “endangered” status, its ecological role as an apex predator, negative interactions with humans, and dhole-specific attitude studies are limited, thus hindering the development of a comprehensive dhole-conservation strategy. Here, we investigate the influence of socioeconomic factors of age, gender, income, residency inside/outside a protected area (PA), and other variables (cultural beliefs, livestock loss, and quantity of livestock loss) on the attitudes of local people and support for dhole conservation in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. We conducted a semi-structured questionnaire survey of 1,444 households located within the PA and non-PA from four representative regions in the country. Using R programming, we ran Pearson's chi-square test of independence to test the overall difference in the attitude and support for dhole conservation, followed by recursive partitioning through a conditional inference regression tree to identify its significant covariates with the highest explanatory power. Majority (79.1%) of respondents (χ2 = 488.6; df = 1; p < 0.001) disliked the dhole over those who liked it. More than half (57.7%) (χ2 = 412.7; df = 2; p < 0.001) opposed dhole conservation over those who either supported or remained neutral. Experience of livestock loss to dholes was the primary ( p < 0.001) factor influencing the negative attitude and opposition to dhole conservation, despite an acknowledgment of the ecological role of the dhole in controlling agricultural crop predators. Our study, which is the first-ever survey in Bhutan, solely focused on investigating human attitudes and perceptions toward the dhole, indicating that livestock loss to dholes transcends all positive attitudes to the species and drives a predominant dislike and opposition to its conservation. To improve the attitude and support toward the dhole and to foster dhole–human coexistence, livestock predation by dholes needs alleviation by improving the existing animal husbandry, in conjunction with promoting conservation awareness on this species.

Awareness of traditional knowledge and attitudes towards wildlife conservation among Maasai communities: The case of Enkusero Sampu Conservancy, Kajiado County in Kenya

AbstractTraditional wildlife conservation methods and attitude towards wildlife conservation are key for the success of wildlife conservation intervention. This study examined awareness of traditional wildlife conservation measures and socio‐demographic factors associated with attitudes towards wildlife conservation among the Maasai communities living in Enkusero Sampu Conservancy (ESC) in Kajiado County, Kenya. Data were based on a cross‐sectional household survey conducted from 02 February to 23 March 2018, among 278 heads of households. Analysis entails cross‐tabulation with chi‐square test and estimation of a multivariate logistic regression model. Awareness of traditional wildlife conservation methods and attitude towards wildlife conservation were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with gender and household size. Heads of household who were aware of traditional wildlife conservation methods were aged 50 or more years. While people from smaller household size (<6 persons) were more likely to have a positive attitude towards wildlife conservation. Those who experienced livestock predation or crop destruction by wild animals were less likely to have a positive attitude towards wildlife conservation. The findings underscore the need for conservation managers to factor in local people's traditional knowledge and attitudes to foster sustainable wildlife conservation in areas surrounding and within wildlife conservation areas.

Integrating local perspectives into conservation could facilitate human–crocodile coexistence in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar

AbstractConservation will always fail when it does not address the drivers of biodiversity loss, which in many cases involves understanding human behaviours and the attitudes that underlie them. The saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus is a keystone species in mangrove wetlands but also a dangerous predator that affects people's safety and livelihoods. Although saltwater crocodiles are protected under the Myanmar Biodiversity and Protected Area Law, the government has not integrated local people's attitudes into conservation and management. As a consequence, saltwater crocodiles, although categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, are restricted to a single protected area, Meinmahlakyun Wildlife Sanctuary, in Myanmar. To examine local attitudes towards the species, we investigated local knowledge about the environment, crocodiles, habitats and threats, awareness of human–crocodile conflict, and perceptions of the benefits and impacts of saltwater crocodile conservation through questionnaires in 244 households in 17 villages. We found that people were highly knowledgeable about the local environment, saltwater crocodiles, and their habitats. People with seasonal livelihoods that rely on natural resources from Meinmahlakyun had negative attitudes towards crocodile conservation. People were likely to have negative attitudes if they perceived there were no benefits from conserving the species. Law enforcement through restricting resource access does not enhance conservation success and builds resentment towards the conservation of the species. Local people suggested that, as a basis for management, understanding risks posed by crocodiles was the best approach to facilitate human–crocodile coexistence in the Ayeyarwady delta region.

Eternal Attachment of Demoiselle Crane (<i>Anthropoides virgo</i>) to the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India

The Thar Desert of Rajasthan is a paradise for birds, particularly for the migratory bird Demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo). The plentiful migratory birds of many species are flocking into desert region between the months of September to December from various parts of the world. The Demoiselle crane is the smallest out of 15 crane species found in the world, commonly called Kurjan. The eternal attachment of Demoiselle to Thar Desert is due to their conservation is etched in the religion, faith, culture, and attitude of local people. Every winter, thousands of them flock to Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The Demoiselle crane’s conservation status is “Least Concern” under version 3.1 of IUCN Red List Categories (2012) and the species is listed in Appendix II of CITES. Observations were made in the winter season of every year during 2015 to 2019. These migratory birds were observed in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan state of India. This paper summarizes on the population status of Demoiselle cranes at different locations of western Rajasthan along with their percentage time spent on different habitats for roosting and feeding.

Behavioural Survey of Local Inhabitants’ Views and Attitudes about Slovak Karst National Park in Slovakia

Park-people relationships are crucial for the effective operation of national parks (NPs). According to this new paradigm, protected areas are increasingly considered as instruments for regional development, particularly in marginal regions. However, park-people relationships often comprise conflicts. We tried to understand park-people relationships through the views and attitudes of local people living in or around the area of the Slovak Karst NP, which is found in a marginal, less developed region within Slovakia. We carried out a questionnaire survey and applied multidimensional statistical methods for the results. We identified four attitude dimensions and six local people clusters. Clusters were compared in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, views on NP tasks, attitudes towards the NP, tourism and nature, as well as migration intentions. We found that 45% of the sampled population had positive attitudes towards the NP and nature, 29.5% were neutral and 25.5% had somewhat negative feelings. Results showed that the personal economic situation, the relationship with tourism, age, education level and profession all influence the attitude of local people towards the NP. As for the socio-economic development of the region, we found that till now, the Slovak Karst NP had only a limited role. Nonetheless, understanding the views and attitudes of local people may help to refine the NP strategy. Results suggest that NP management should strengthen the interaction with local communities and improve resource efficiency through a participatory approach to preserve natural values, improve the quality of life and stop outward migration from the region.

Exploring the impact of residents’ emotional solidarity on attitude and support for tourism development in the context of COVID-19

Although research on emotional solidarity has received attention in the tourism field in recent years, little research on the subject has been conducted in the context of a pandemic. Thus, this study investigated the relationships among Jeju residents’ emotional solidarity toward visitors, attitude, and their support for tourism development under the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this objective, an online survey was conducted to Jeju residents by KakaoTalk using snowball sampling method from May 28 to June 8, 2020, during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 634 samples were collected, and then the collected data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and SmartPLS 3.0. The findings of this study revealed that all three factors of Jeju residents’ emotional solidarity toward visitors significantly affected their attitude toward tourism development. The attitude of local people also had a positive direct prediction effect on their support for Jeju tourism development, and all emotional solidarity dimensions demonstrated positive indirect effects on residents’ support via attitude. This study provided some theoretical implications for academic and practical recommendations for the Jeju government authority and tourism practitioners to create a safe tourism environment in the context of COVID-19 and to promote the sustainable development of the Jeju tourism industry. Some suggestions were also provided for future research on emotional solidarity, as well.

Post-migration well-being of Sub-Saharan Africans in China: a nationwide cross-sectional survey.

This study aims to understand the quality of life (QOL) among Sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrants and explore the factors that contribute to and shape SSA migrants' QOL and shed light on how post-migration factors affect their QOL in China. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey on QOL of SSA migrants in China from August, 2019 to November, 2019. We recruited SSA migrants using a combination of peer-referred online and offline surveys. The WHOQOL-BREF scale assessed the QOL of participants, and depressive symptoms were measured using Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. Correlates of well-being including depressive symptoms, migration-related factors, and socio-demographic characteristics were included in hierarchical linear regression models to explore the contributions of these factors on QOL of SSA migrants. This study included 928 eligible SSA migrants. The total score of the WHOQOL-BREF scale was 66.8 ± 14.0. Attitudes of local people toward SSA migrants (β = 3.1, 95% CI 2.4, 3.0) and satisfaction with their living conditions (β = 3.6, 95% CI 2.5, 4.7) were positively associated with QOL and explained 12.2% of the variance. Contracting an infectious disease in the past year (β = -5.3, 95% CI -7.6, -2.9) and depression werenegatively associated with QOL (β = -0.7, 95% CI -0.7, -0.6) and explained 24.4% of the variance. Our study underscores the importance of several key factors that may aid in the improvement of QOL among SSA migrants. Post-migration environmental factors emerged as key correlates of QOL, which builds on previous evidence that the post-migration context should be improved to safeguard the well-being of SSA migrants in China.

Abundance, distribution and conservation threats of African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) in the Loliondo Game Controlled Area, Tanzania

Abstract. Masenga E, Hasan SN, Japhet K. 2018. Abundance, distribution, and conservation threats of African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) in the Loliondo Game Controlled Area, Tanzania. Asian J For 2: 31-41. Assessment of abundance, distribution, and conservation threats to African wild dogs was conducted in Loliondo Game Controlled Area (LGCA), northern Tanzania. Specifically, the study focused on determining population size and structure, spatial distribution, attitudes of local people towards wild dogs and wild dog conservation and threats impacting the species. Semi-structured interviews, diurnal random searches, internal and external examinations of wild dogs carcasses examined, and night transect surveys were employed. Eight packs with a total of 132 recognized individuals at an average pack size of 16.50 ± SD 7.50 individuals were recorded. Pack sizes 3 individuals were reported to be sighted mostly and of all respondents (n= 210), only 26% were able to recognize wild dog sexes. The density of both known and unknown wild dogs was 0.19 animals/km2, higher compared to other carnivores. In terms of distribution, most of the packs were concentrated in the northern part as compared to the central and southern parts of LGCA. The species was observed to occur most in woodland type of vegetation. Interestingly, 55.30% of respondents showed a positive attitude towards wild dogs and wild dog conservation despite that 52.90% of respondents dismissed lack of any conservation action or strategy in place towards conserving the species. However, poisoning and Canine Distemper Virus were identified as the main threats. Therefore, conserving African wild dogs in LGCA requires mult-approach conservation efforts (i.e. awareness rising to community, fitting radio telemetry to the dogs and threats management interventions) due to nature of the species.

KEARIFAN LOKAL MASYARAKAT DALAM MENGELOLA SUMBER MATA AIR DI DESA CAONG KECAMATAN MEMPAWAH HULU KABUPATEN LANDAK

Local wisdom is the value or attitude of local people's life in interacting with the environment where they live in a wise life. The village of Caong has local wisdom in the management of water sources. This research aims to assess the local wisdom of the community in managing water sources and analyzing the relationship of social perception in applying local wisdom from each factor such as customary law, trust, and Knowledge. The method used in this research is the survey method with an interview technique with a questionnaire, and the respondents taking purposive random sampling. Analysis of data using descriptive analysis with Chi-Square test analysis and inferential analysis using the non-parametric analysis correlation of Kendall Tau. The number of respondents used in this study was 85 respondents. Local wisdom conducted by the community of Caong village in managing the source of the water, namely the activities of managing the springs and traditions and rituals of society: the activities of administering the water source (making dams (Pagunkg), and team cleaning springs, planting Trees, repair facilities, and create drains). Local wisdom in the form of community traditions and rituals on the management of the source of water, are customary law, norms, special rules, and traditional rituals of worship in the spring water (nyangahan't ka ulu ai). Public perception of water resources management tends to be positive, high customary law, high level of community confidence, and high level of community knowledge. There is a significant link between public perception on the management of the water source of Caong village with customary law, trust, and knowledge.Keywords: Caong village, local wisdom, management, water resources.

Attitudes of local people towards community based eco-tourism in the Sundarbans

Tourism especially nature based tourism is increasing throughout the world day by day. The Sundarbans Reserve Forest (SRF) in Bangladesh is a suitable place for developing tourism. The purpose of the study was to find out the attitudes of local people’s towards community based eco-tourism (CBET) in the Sundarbans. The study was carried out by a questionnaire survey with purposive selection based on diversity of occupation and sex in that area. A 5- point rating Likert scale was used to measures the local people’s attitude towards community based eco-tourism. Most of the people of the study are poorly based on income and depends on the forest as well as are fisherman among male and housewife among women. Natural beauty of this area, scope to watch wildlife, tourist security, house or eco-cottage quality, toilet and bathing facilities are favorable as well as communication and infrastructure facilities are an obstacle for developing CBET here. CBET will increase alternative job opportunities and income as well as it will reduce disturbance of forest and illegal harvesting according to the respondents. Forest Department is cooperative and tourists are more conscious now than before. People are now satisfied with CBET and keen to involve with this. This research is important for tourism policymakers in Bangladesh for their decisions.

Development of e-commerce, transport and logistics in rural Russia: attitudes and obstacles

The objective of the paper is to research the attitudes of local people of the countryside of one Karelian typical village towards the development of e-commerce and remote work. E-commerce and remote work are seem to be a solution for local people to find new jobs and earn more or some extra money. Moreover, abovementioned can be the way to find new markets for selling some good, products and even “not-importables”, which are seen to be the must to be created to revitalise the economic system of rural areas. Except the lack of knowledge on the the theme, the main obstacles for e-commerse are bad roads and bad Internet connections. The delivery and logistics system should be revised.

Perception and Attitudes of Residents Towards Impacts of Tourism: a research on environmentally sensitive region

Abstract: Tourism has a social, cultural, economic and environmental impact on destinations. The positive or negative perception of these effects by residents has great importance for the continuation of tourism activities in one region. The aim of this study is to determine the perception and attitude of local people towards tourism and tourism support who have a great interest in nature-based tourism and who demonstrate a great reaction to the projects they believe will harm the nature such as hydroelectric power plants projects, Cerattepe Project and Green Road Project. A total of 449 data from residents living in Arhavi, Borçka, Artvin (Center) and Hopa districts were analyzed in the survey. In the course of testing hypotheses, variables such as age group, marital status, education status, working status, survival time in Artvin and county living in Artvin was evaluated by the Kruskal-Wallis H Test; the gender factor was evaluated by the Mann Whitney test and the correlation analysis was made to determine tourism support. As a result of these analyzes, significant differences were found between demographic factors and the perception of tourism effects and tourism support. In addition, it has been determined that the people living in Artvin find favorable the economic, social, cultural and environmental effects of tourism and they support tourism.
 Keywords: Resident. Perception. Attitudes. Tourism Impact.

Use of cultivated foods and matrix habitat by Bale monkeys in forest fragments: Assessing local human attitudes and perceptions.

Primates inhabiting human-modified landscapes often exploit matrix habitat to supplement their diet with cultivated foods, at times resulting in economic losses and conflict with local people. Understanding human-nonhuman primate interactions and the attitudes and perceptions of local people towards crop feeding species are crucial to designing effective species-based management plans. Over a 12-month period, we used scan sampling to study the consumption of cultivated foods and matrix use patterns by two habituated groups of Bale monkeys (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis), Ethiopian-endemic bamboo specialists, in two forest fragments (Kokosa and Afursa) set amidst human settlements and farmland in the southern Ethiopian Highlands. Further, we conducted interviews with local people to document their attitudes and perceptions towards Bale monkeys at the two sites. We found that Bale monkeys at Kokosa, a more degraded habitat by most measures, consumed significantly more cultivated foods than their counterparts at Afursa. Moreover, Bale monkeys at Kokosa spent significantly more time in the matrix than in the forest habitat, while monkeys at Afursa spent significantly less time in the matrix than in the forest habitat. Not surprisingly, local people displayed a more negative attitude towards monkeys inhabiting Kokosa than those inhabiting Afursa. The differences in Bale monkey cultivated food consumption and matrix use patterns-as well as in local people's attitudes and perceptions towards Bale monkeys-between Kokosa and Afursa are probably associated with differences in habitat structure, degree of habitat alteration, and land-use practices between the sites. We conclude that to ensure long-term coexistence between Bale monkeys and local people in human-modified landscapes, it is vital to incorporate nearby matrix habitats into management plans and to work closely with local communities to develop effective nonlethal crop protection strategies, thereby reducing the likelihood of negative interactions between Bale monkeys and humans.

Transformation of Historic Neighborhoods: How Tourism Is Changing the Historic Center of Kashan, Iran

ABSTRACT After a long period of decline and deterioration, conservation efforts over the last two decades, influenced by global trends, are revitalizing some of the historic centers in Iranian cities. In a country-wide first, old abandoned houses in the historic core of Kashan have gradually become attractive to private investors and transformed into tourist spaces, generally boutique hotels. This paper investigates the impacts of these private investments on the surrounding neighborhoods by analyzing the attitudes and perceptions of local community members toward these transformations. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 35 participants including residents, shopkeepers and local visitors, in 2018–2019. The findings of this study illustrate the positive attitude of local people towards conservation and adaptive reuse projects, although some residents noted problems resulting from the implementation of these projects. The results indicated that it is necessary for urban authorities to take measures to mitigate the impacts of the tourism gentrification process and to maintain the neighborhood’s long-term residents.

Population Size and Habitat Utilization of Menelik’s Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus Meneliki Neumann, 1902) in Abasheba-Demero Controlled Hunting Area, Southeastern Ethiopia

Background : Despite Ethiopia is among few African countries with high wild animal species diversity, its mammalian resource is highly degrading. Hence, assessing the demography and ecology of the wild animals is indispensable to provide information on the current status of animal, which helps for better wildlife conservation and management purpose. Thus, an investigation on the population size and habitat utilization of endemic Menelik’s bushbuck ( Tragelaphus scriptus Meneliki Neumann, 1902 ) in Abasheba-Demero controlled hunting area was done for one year during both dry and wet seasons of the year, 2019. Objective : The objective of investigation was to gather baseline data on population size, structure and habitat utilization of Menelik’s bushbuck in Abasheba- Demero CHA. Methodology : To reach the objective, quantitative data was collected using18 representative random sampling of line-transects covering sample area of 18km 2 . For field survey, the total area of the controlled hunting area was systematically clustered into four sample units based on the major habitats of the study area (Montane forest habitat, woodland, riverine and seasonal grass-wetland) habitat. Data Analysis : SPSS computer software version 20, descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used to analyze the data. Result : The projected population of Menelik’s bushbuck was 519.36±individuals. From the total population, Male bushbuck covered38.27%females were 50.62%and young’s were 11.1%. The sex ratio of male to female was found to be 1:1.32. Age structure was dominated by adults, which constituted 55.5% of the total population. Although, the bushbucks were evenly distributed in all the four habitat types in both seasons, its frequency was higher in the riverine forest habitat (3.33 individuals per km 2 ). The most commonly observed group types throughout the study period were single (solitary) bushbuck. Conclusion : Based on the current study result the population of Menelik’s bushbuck was not in immediate danger. However, negative attitude of local people towards the CHA and anthropogenic pressures are major underlying problem that needs appropriate correction measure. Keywords : Abasheba-Demero, Controlled hunting area, Menelik’s bushbuck DOI : 10.7176/ALST/76-03 Publication date :September 30 th 2019

The Attitudes of Local People Regarding Their Tourism Perception and Tourism Development: A Study in Rize

It was aimed in this study to determine the perceptions of the local people living in Rize that emerges depending on the positive and negative effects of tourism and to identify the impact on support for tourism development. The convenience sampling method was used in the research and the data were obtained by taking the opinions of the local residents who were living Rize with the survey technique. Wrong and missing questionnaires were removed and then a number of 480 surveys were subjected to analyses. The data were analyzed by using SPSS 22 package program. According to the results, it was determined that there are significant differences between the demographic characteristics of the locals in terms of gender, marital status, age groups, educational status and monthly income, and the positive-negative effects of tourism and the support provided for the development of tourism. It was found that there is a positive and significant relationship between socio-cultural positive and economic positive effects of tourism and the support given to tourism development. It was also detected that there is a moderate positive and significant relationship between the environmental positive effects of tourism and the support given to tourism development. Lastly, it was concluded that the variable that affects the support given to the development of tourism most is the economic positive effects.

Factors influencing local attitudes towards the conservation of leopard cats Prionailurus bengalensis in rural Taiwan

AbstractUnderstanding the human dimension is critical for effective conservation management of species involved in human–carnivore conflict. There is also a need to recognize who among the local human population is supportive of wildlife conservation. We investigated how local people's attitudes and knowledge of the leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis are influenced by socio-demographic variables, encounter rates and the nature of encounters with the felid in Taiwan. During June–August 2014 we interviewed 150 residents in Miaoli County in northern Taiwan, where the leopard cat is known to occur. More than half of the participants indicated they were supportive of leopard cat conservation. The majority of those who expressed positive attitudes towards protection of the leopard cat belonged to younger, more educated socio-demographic groups. Negative attitudes towards leopard cat conservation were most prevalent among farmers, who also reported the highest incidence of negative experiences, mainly involving predation of poultry. We provide recommendations to mitigate human–felid conflict, including changes to animal husbandry practices. We also describe how conservation efforts for this species and wildlife in general in Taiwan could be improved, for example through incentive and awareness-raising programmes.

Views and attitudes of local people towards community versus state forest governance in Tehulederi District, South Wollo, Ethiopia

IntroductionRestoring the degraded sites with vegetation cover is an optimal solution to mitigate environmental disasters. Starting from the 1980s, donor-assisted land rehabilitation activities were taking place in Tehulederi District, South Wollo, Ethiopia. Meanwhile, majority of the forests were destroyed; part of the problem was associated with the top-down approach of forest management. The challenge is, therefore, to find a system of management that can enhance the combined effect of both the community and the state. The community forestry (i.e. a forest development activity which is practiced and managed collectively by the community members on their communal land) is one such alternative. The objectives of the study were to (1) examine the views and attitudes of local people towards community versus state forests governance and (2) evaluate the management practices implemented in the community versus state forestry and their implications on the forest status and the livelihood of local people.MethodsA structured questionnaire consisting of closed- and open-ended questions was developed to collect quantitative data from randomly selected households. Moreover, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gather qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used to analyze and interpret the quantitative data. The data obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions were synthesized and narrated using a qualitative method.ResultsSeveral socioeconomic variables significantly affected the views and attitudes of local people towards community versus state forests governance. Generally, local people had positive views and attitudes towards the community forestry. Over 83% of the respondents agreed to accept and practice community forestry. In contrast, about 70% of the respondents had negative views and attitudes towards the state forestry. The positive views and attitudes of local people towards the community forestry may be connected with the perceived benefits (e.g. infrastructure development, source of medicinal plants, wood products, and source of fodder) and the values (e.g. aesthetic and recreational) that local people expect from the community forest. However, the negative views and attitudes of local people towards the state forestry could be attributed to the fact that the community may have limited access to forests when they are exclusively managed by the government. Moreover, such forest management may aggravate antagonistic relationship between the government and local people and be manifested as forest use conflicts. The results obtained from key informant interviews and focus group discussions suggested that the community forest had a better status than the state forest. This may have resulted from the relative advantage of the community forestry to make better use of the community forest, manage it more sustainability, and contribute more equitably to satisfy local livelihoods than does the state forestry. The respondents also illustrated the dependence of local people on forests, utilization, protection, management, and silvicultural schemes implemented in the community versus state forests.ConclusionsThe findings emphasize the importance of collective decisions in forest management and governance. The intervention for a legal framework and institutional development particularly through formal recognition of local people’s ownership and right over the use of forests is indispensable towards sustainable forestry.

Perceptions and Attitudes of Urucum Settlement Residents about Local Wildlife

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to evaluate perceptions and attitudes of local people about wild fauna and was carried out in the Urucum settlement, in the Brazilian Pantanal. We sought to: (1) identify which species of wild animals were most frequently chosen by residents of the Urucum settlement based on their familiarity; (2) identify the values associated with this fauna and the implications for conservation; and (3) test the effect of gender, age, and level of education of the residents on their attitudes. We used a structured questionnaire with open and closed questions to interview the residents. Distributions of responses about perceptions were analyzed using the chi-square test, and differences between the values associated with each species were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The effect of gender, age, and level of education on attitudes toward the most chosen species was tested using generalized linear models (GLM). Among 61 residents interviewed, we found that the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), toucan (Ramphastos toco), monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), rhea (Rhea Americana), and rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) were the most frequently chosen species. These species were followed by tropical freshwater fish (a fish of the genus Astyanax sp.) and the blue morpho butterfly (Morpho sp.), both chosen with equal frequency. Most perceptions and attitudes were positive apart from those for the rattlesnake. Attitudes toward the rattlesnake were associated with the age of respondents, and the most common value associated with conserving the selected animals was “Anthropocentric.” As demonstrated by other studies, contact with environmental education activities could help to promote tolerance to rattlesnakes. Likewise, this tool can also broaden our understanding of the ecological importance of wild species, facilitating their conservation.