Understanding rancher coexistence with jaguars and pumas: a typology for conservation practice

Ranchers living near large carnivores can adopt diverse practices to prevent livestock damage. Effective management interventions to help reduce damage must address the varied needs of ranchers by segmenting audiences for more targeted programs. We developed a typology that conceptualized six types of ranchers based on the theory of planned behavior. We posited that rancher types were driven by: attitudes; social norms; perceived control; emotional disposition; risk perception; and contextual factors. To test the typology throughout Costa Rica, we conducted a structured survey of a random sample of 93 ranchers affected by jaguar and puma predation and paired them with a sample of 69 unaffected neighbors. Cluster analyses of survey results provided empirical support for a typology of four types of ranchers, two of which were predicted by the theory of planned behavior: preventive ranchers who take control to prevent felid damage; and helpless ranchers who lack control. We also identified a risk-neutral type who takes no action as they do not perceive the cats as a threat; and a cat-troubled type influenced mainly by negative emotions toward big cats. This last type supports the need to include emotional factors in theoretical frameworks when dealing with human-wildlife conflict. The typology is useful for designing improved policy and management interventions to reduce wildlife conflicts.