Co-building knowledge on human-puma conflict: A case study in a village of the Argentine Puna ecoregion

Abstract

Human-carnivore conflicts threaten the survival of large carnivore populations and impose high costs for humans. Knowledge co-building approaches can be successful for tackling these problems. We examined conflicts between the puma (Puma concolor) and pastoralists from an Argentine Puna village through semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion. According to data from the community, 6% of livestock were killed by pumas in 2017, causing an estimated US $14,340 loss. Interviewees perceived pumas as dangerous and hunted them to protect livestock. Predation and diseases were identified as major causes of livestock losses, and infrequent checks on livestock, livestock being free-ranging, and an increase in the puma population were underlying causes of predation. Interviewees mentioned direct economic costs and indirect and hidden costs as consequences of livestock loss. Given that social factors are important drivers in human- wildlife conflicts, we highlight the importance of engaging the community during conflict research and management.