Farmers’ perceptions of wildlife in agroecosystems: Insights from a highly modified area of the Pampas region, Argentina

Abstract

People’s perceptions of wildlife are influenced by various factors. Studying these factors is a valuable tool to help conserve agro-biodiversity. The objective of this study was to analyze farmers’ perception of birds and mammals in a highly modified area of the Pampas region in Argentina, and to understand the factors that influence their decisions to apply methods that promote or control wildlife. An online survey was conducted to examine farmers’ perception of different animal groups, considering their economic activities and the factors influencing their decision to favor or control certain species. We received 65 responses, which revealed a negative perception toward two groups of birds and five groups of mammals, a neutral perception for one group of birds and four groups of mammals, and a positive for five groups of birds. Preserving natural vegetation along roadsides and field margins was the primary method to promote birds while reducing agrochemical use to promote mammals. Shooting was the main method employed to control all animals. The farmers’ positive perception, their main economic activity, and whether they resided on the farm significantly influenced their decisions to implement methods to promote species. The farmers’ negative perception, their main economic activity, their residence on the rural property, and their age affected their decisions to implement methods for controlling species. Understanding farmers’ perceptions and the drivers behind their decisions to promote or control species represent the initial step toward achieving sustainable management of agroecosystems.