Conflicts between rural communities and wildlife in an area within the Jiquiriçá Valley

Abstract

Recent conflicts between rural producers and wildlife in an ecotone area within rural communities of Santa Inês, Bahia, have sparked a discussion about the need to establish strategies to promote harmonious coexistence between rural inhabitants and carnivorous animals. Given this scenario, this research aimed to quantify attacks by natural predators on domestic livestock and also identify the perception of rural communities regarding the presence of these predators in the region. We hypothesized that the perception of communities towards carnivorous mammals may be influenced by local attitudes and beliefs, individual experiences of residents, and exposure to information about local wildlife conservation. Thus, the study sought to provide support for the development of environmental awareness strategies among communities, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation and preservation of natural habitats to mitigate conflicts between natural predators and rural producers in Jiquiriçá Valley region. It is expected that the results will contribute to adoption of measures promoting conservationist attitudes, fostering a less conflictive relationship between rural communities and natural predators, and providing a basis for further studies aiming for a deeper understanding of those conflicts.