Local farmers' attitudes towards artificial wildlife bridges in a fragmented agroforestry environment

Fragmentation of tropical forests has severe consequences for global biodiversity. The island of Java, Indonesia has a long history of deforestation and outside the protected area system, the island contains a patchwork of small forest fragments among expanding agricultural land, human settlements, and infrastructure. The arboreal Javan slow loris' (Nycticebus javanicus) remaining habitat largely occurs in these anthropogenic landscapes. Arboreal canopy bridges have proven to be a successful conservation intervention for Javan slow lorises but must be built on the private land of farmers. Here, we describe the process of collaborating with local farmers to construct and maintain canopy bridges over their farms to aid in connecting habitat for Javan slow lorises. We held non-structured conversations with ten farmers to understand their perceptions of the bridges. We found an overall positive attitude towards slow lorises, as well as acknowledgement of the economic importance of the bridges. Farmers also recommended improvements, including ensuring equity of the bridges in the community and increased financial commitment from the conservation project. There is growing appreciation amongst conservationists that trust and collaboration with local communities are essential for carrying out successful initiatives. We recommend regular discussions with community members in similar interventions to ensure the long-term trust and involvement of local people.

Automated summary

The fragmentation of tropical forests has severe consequences for global biodiversity. In Java, Indonesia, deforestation has led to the presence of small forest fragments amidst expanding agricultural land and human settlements. The remaining habitat of the Javan slow loris is largely found in these anthropogenic landscapes. Canopy bridges have been successful in connecting habitat for the slow lorises, but collaboration with local farmers is necessary as the bridges need to be built on private land. Through conversations with farmers, we found a positive attitude towards slow lorises and recognition of the economic importance of the bridges. Farmers suggested improvements, such as ensuring equity of the bridges within the community and increased financial commitment. It is crucial for conservationists to engage in regular discussions with local communities to establish trust and long-term involvement.