Research in the United States

Nimlos N.M., Martin J.A., Palmer W.E., Sisson D.C., & Pienaar E.F. (2023) A cost assessment of intensive wild quail management on private lands in the southeastern United States. Conservation Science and Practice 5(7): e12950.

Abstract: Private landowners who operate multifunctional landscapes play a critical role in the conservation of native and imperiled species, and the restoration of native ecosystems. In the southeastern United States, both northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and pine savanna ecosystems are imperiled and heavily reliant on conservation efforts by private landowners. Engaging private landowners in the restoration and management of pine savannas and grasslands is essential to the recovery of northern bobwhite, which is also managed as a game species. Since the early 1900s, the cultural tradition of wild bobwhite hunting has motivated landowners to manage their properties to increase bobwhite populations. However, the costs and revenues associated with intensive wild bobwhite management and hunting are imperfectly understood. From May 2021 to February 2022, we conducted semi-structured interviews with landowners and land managers of 37 wild bobwhite hunting properties (total of 65,317 ha in bobwhite management) in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina to enumerate the costs and revenues associated with intensive wild bobwhite management. Landowners spent an average of $154/acre/year (~$381/ha/year; median of $142/acre/year or ~$352/ha/year) to manage for northern bobwhite. These costs included salaries and benefits for labor, depreciated equipment and infrastructure expenditures, and other supplies (e.g., fuel, seed) needed to maintain wild bobwhite populations and their habitat. Few properties offset their bobwhite management costs with revenues generated on the property, including hunting revenues. Non-financial motivations for owning a bobwhite property included a strong land stewardship ethic, the desire to maintain rural lifestyles and family heritage, and securing hunting and recreational opportunities. Through wild quail management, private landowners are helping to secure critical habitat for threatened and endangered species and increasing the landscape’s overall resilience to climate change without the use of public funding.

Conserving the Florida Panther on Private Rangelands in Florida

Overview: Recovery of the panther depends on habitat conservation on both public and private lands, as well as private landowner support for panther conservation. We used semi-structured interviews, focus groups and surveys to ascertain how wildlife management agencies could work with the Florida cattlemen community to secure panther habitat on Florida's rangelands.

Kreye, M. M., E. F. Pienaar, J. R. Soto and D. C. Adams (2017) “Creating Voluntary Payment Programs: Effective Program Design and Ranchers' Willingness to Conserve Florida Panther Habitat” Land Economics 93(3): 459-480.

Abstract: Landowner resistance to Endangered Species Act regulations is a key conservation challenge. In 2014 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed that a mix of payments for ecosystem services and regulatory assurances be implemented to encourage cattle ranchers’ participation in Florida panther recovery efforts. To identify cattle ranchers’ preferences for the proposed programs, we implemented a best-worst scaling choice experiment. Our results suggest that voluntary conservation programs are most likely to enroll politically conservative landowners if these programs provide per acre payments or tax reductions, are of shorter duration, and do not require overly intrusive or restrictive levels of monitoring to ensure compliance.

Kreye, M. M., E. F. Pienaar and A. E. Adams (2017) “The Role of Community Identity in Cattlemen Response to Florida Panther Recovery Efforts” Society and Natural Resources 30(1): 79-94.

Abstract: The concept of community identity has often been employed to explain ways in which communities respond to agents that impact community well-being. Using a case study of the Florida cattlemen community, we examine how cattlemen understand and perceive regulatory efforts to recover the Florida panther on private ranch lands. The data comes from participants in the Florida cattlemen community, and was collected through in-depth interviews (n = 13), group interviews (n = 32), and written comments associated with a survey about panther conservation (n = 78). Our findings indicate that some cattlemen in Florida have a strong sense of community identity. Perceptions of government actions and variation in economic risks are critical factors in understanding how this community responds to federal interventions. Our findings suggest that the concept of community identity can be used to explain the responses of agricultural landowners to governmental policies that are perceived as a threat to collective identity.

Pienaar, E. F., M. M. Kreye and C. E. Jacobs (2015) “Conflicts between Cattlemen and the Florida Panther: Insights and Policy Recommendations from Interviews with Florida Cattlemen” Human Ecology – An Interdisciplinary Journal 43(4): 577-588.

Abstract: Recovery of the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) depends on habitat conservation on private rangelands. However, cattlemen-panther conflicts and lack of trust in wildlife agencies is undermining panther conservation efforts. Based on semi-structured interviews and group meetings with Florida cattlemen, we examine how cattlemen’s land stewardship practices support panther conservation, and causes of conflicts with the panther and wildlife agencies. Given the heterogeneous attitudes of cattlemen and their varying economic conditions, a complementary suite of programs is needed to achieve efficient conservation of the panther and panther habitat. Current and proposed government incentive programs are unlikely to attain the level of habitat conservation required to recover the Florida panther. We suggest that efforts should be made to build social capital and trust by engaging influential cattlemen in panther conservation actions, thereby lending credibility to conservation initiatives and improving the rate of uptake and levels of commitment by other cattlemen. Moreover, providing cattlemen with payments that are contingent on keeping lands as unimproved pasture or wildlife habitat without mandating particular land management practices may be an effective policy alternative.

Jacobs, C. E., M. B. Main and E. F. Pienaar (2015) “Florida Ranchers and Florida Panthers: Risk Perceptions, Support for Recovery, and Evaluation of Potential Livestock Depredation Compensation Programs” Florida Scientist 78(3-4): 130-148.

Abstract: Florida cattle ranches provide important habitat for the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), but rancher support of panther recovery efforts is influenced by the real and perceived risks that panthers present to livestock. Understanding rancher's attitudes towards panther recovery and potential compensation programs for livestock loss are important components of panther recovery efforts. We conducted a survey of Florida ranchers to: (1) evaluate the perceived risk of panthers and other predators; (2) evaluate perceived calf loss trends; (3) measure support for panther recovery; (4) measure support for different types of compensation and payment for ecosystem services programs; and (5) evaluate what factors influence support for those programs. We designed an Internet survey and administered surveys to Florida cattle ranchers through emails sent out by the Florida Farm Bureau and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences livestock extension agents. Although results of the survey should be interpreted with caution due to low response rate, the majority of respondents supported panther recovery efforts, believed coyotes (Canis latrans) posed the greatest risk to calves, reported a yearly average calf loss of ≤5%, and indicated preference for a program that provided direct payments for calf loss to panthers.

Kreye, M. M. and E. F. Pienaar (2015) “A Critical Review of Efforts to Protect Florida Panther Habitat on Private Lands” Land Use Policy 48: 428-436.

Abstract: This paper examines the use of federal regulations and market-based incentives to conserve habitat for the Florida panther on private lands. We examine: the role of habitat conservation in panther recovery efforts; the limitations of existing regulatory mechanisms, in particular the Endangered Species Act, in conserving panther habitat on private lands; and how market-based incentives for habitat conservation may complement regulations. In particular, we examine how a payment for ecosystem services (PES) program could attain both economic and ecological efficiency in habitat conservation on private lands. We conclude that a strategic combination of regulatory and market-based incentives would be more effective at conserving contiguous habitat on private lands, especially when the loss of habitat is driven by rapid urban and exurban development.

Human-Panther Conflicts in Golden Gate Estates, Collier County, Florida

Overview: The highest number of documented human‐panther interactions has occurred in Golden Gate Estates, Collier County, Florida. We conducted semi-structured interviews and implemented mail‐based surveys in Golden Gate Estates to investigate community members’ level of tolerance for the panther. We found that individuals with ecocentric value orientations, individuals who were aware of panthers’ presence in Florida prior to moving to Golden Gate Estates, and individuals who believe that proper animal care protects domestic animals from panthers were more tolerant of the panther. Older respondents, livestock owners (especially those who have lost an animal to a panther) and people who were concerned that panthers pose a threat to human safety were less tolerant of the panther.

Rodgers, P. D. and E. F. Pienaar (2018) “Tolerance for the Florida Panther in Exurban Southwest Florida” Journal of Wildlife Management 82(4): 865–876.

Abstract: Human tolerance for negative interactions with the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) is an important component of panther conservation efforts. Residents’ tolerance for interactions with Florida panthers in exurban areas has not been explicitly studied, even though the highest number of documented human‐panther interactions has occurred in a single exurban community in Florida (i.e., Golden Gate Estates). We implemented a mail‐based survey in Golden Gate Estates in 2015 to investigate community members’ level of tolerance for the panther. Golden Gate Estates provides a case study for future conservation efforts as panthers recolonize their historical range, and the panther comes into contact with more exurban and residential communities. Based on regression analysis of survey data, we found that individuals with eco‐centric value orientations, individuals who were aware of panthers’ presence in Florida prior to moving to Golden Gate Estates, and individuals who believe that proper animal care protects domestic animals from panthers were more tolerant of the panther. Age, livestock ownership, panther depredation of domestic animals, and risk concern were significant negative determinants of panther tolerance. The majority of respondents were willing to collaborate with neighbors and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to manage panther‐related risks. Our research provides insights into how tolerance for the Florida panther in exurban and residential communities may be secured or improved. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

Rodgers, P. D. and E. F. Pienaar (2017) “Amenity or Nuisance? Understanding and Managing Human-Panther Interactions in Exurban Southwest Florida” Human Dimensions of Wildlife 22(4): 295-313.

Abstract: Golden Gate Estates (GGE), an exurban development in southwest Florida, is the site of the highest recorded number of conflicts between people and the Florida panther. We used qualitative data provided by 157 GGE residents and 19 nonresident stakeholders to investigate attitudes toward the panther, and appropriate measures to mitigate human–panther conflicts. Although a subset of GGE residents expressed some concerns about human safety risks associated with living with the panther, a higher share of residents viewed the panther positively. Residents and nonresident stakeholders agreed that GGE residents are responsible for securing their livestock against panthers. This point of agreement may improve adoption of appropriate practices to prevent human–panther conflicts. Outreach and education programs should reinforce expectations within the GGE community that residents are responsible for securing livestock against predators and adopting other conflict mitigation practices, as well as encouraging positive attitudes toward the panther.

Mitigating Conflicts between People and Bears in Florida

Noel, E. T. and E. F. Pienaar (2017) “Securing Garbage from Florida Black Bears: Why Are the Appropriate Measures Not Implemented at the Municipal Level?” Human Dimensions of Wildlife 22(4): 347-361.

Abstract: Anthropogenic food conditioning of bears has resulted in recent increases in human–bear conflicts (HBCs) in Florida. Garbage is the leading cause of food conditioning of bears. Despite increased HBCs and related human safety concerns, municipal governments in Florida have generally not taken independent steps to prevent HBCs through altered garbage management. Rather, governments have relied on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to manage garbage-related HBCs. We used semi-structured interviews to identify obstacles to securing garbage from bears at the municipal level. Respondents included local government administrations and waste service providers. Political and economic costs of implementing bear-resistant garbage management practices were the major obstacles to securing garbage. Respondents argued that households will not pay for, or support, the implementation of bear-resistant trash cans. Recent adoption by four counties of ordinances requiring residents to secure their garbage from bears suggests that objections to adopting bear-resistant garbage management were overstated.

Pienaar, E. F., D. Telesco and S. Barrett (2015) “Understanding People’s Willingness to Implement Measures to Manage Human-Bear Conflict in Florida” Journal of Wildlife Management 79(5): 798–806.

Abstract: In 2009, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began surveying individuals who reported human–bear conflicts. The purpose of this survey is to assess whether individuals take actions recommended by the FWC to reduce or eliminate conflicts. Using logit analysis, we determined which factors influenced the likelihood that surveyed individuals would follow the advice provided by the FWC for managing human–bear conflicts. We found outreach efforts by the FWC increased the probability that people who report conflicts to the agency adopted recommended measures to reduce these conflicts. Our results indicate that outreach efforts by wildlife agencies increase the likelihood that people will alter their behavior to reduce human–bear conflicts.

International Research

South Africa

India

Puri, M., Pienaar E.F., Karanth K., & Loiselle B. (2021) Food for thought - Examining farmers' willingness to engage in conservation stewardship around a protected area in central India, Ecology  and Society 26(2): 46.

Abstract: Although protected areas (PAs) have long been considered a successful conservation strategy, more recent research has highlighted their ecological and sociological limitations. The extant PA network is constrained by land availability and exacerbates cultural, political, and social conflicts over access to resources. Consequently, the importance of private lands in playing a complementary role in conservation is being widely recognized. Voluntary conservation programs that encourage private landowners to adopt biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices have emerged worldwide. Landowners’ willingness to participate in these programs is critical to attaining landscape-level biodiversity conservation. We adopted a multi-disciplinary approach, combining economic theory of rational choice and social choice theory to explain decision-making. Using a stated preference choice experiment method, we examined the role of program design and influence of demographic, economic and socio-psychological variables on landowners’ willingness to enroll in voluntary, incentive-based agroforestry programs. In 2018-19, we surveyed 602 landowners in the buffer area of Pench Tiger Reserve, India. Landowners’ willingness to engage in agroforestry depended on the amount of land to be enrolled, program duration and incentive amount. Landowners’ socio-economic characteristics, attitudes, self-efficacy, and social norms also influenced their willingness to participate. On average, landowners required Rs. 66,000 (~USD 940) per acre per year to modify their land-use and adopt agroforestry. Our study demonstrates that integrating voluntary agroforestry programs into India’s rural development policy may allow biodiversity conservation to be balanced with agricultural productivity in buffer areas surrounding PAs. We call for a new approach which recognizes farmers as stakeholders in conservation and in creating resilient landscapes that support biodiversity and preserve livelihoods.

Featured by Mongabay, India: https://india.mongabay.com/2021/08/incentivising-landowners-around-pench-to-engage-in-agroforestry-for-conservation/

Featured by The Wire, India: https://science.thewire.in/environment/securing-wildlife-corridor-sahyadri-konkan-landscape-land-use-matrix-challenges/