Human-elephant conflict in western Thailand: Socio-economic drivers and potential mitigation strategies.

摘要: Understanding human-wildlife conflict is an important first step in the conservation of highly endangered species that can have adverse effects on human communities, such as elephants. To gain insights into variables shape attitudes toward elephant Asia, we surveyed 410 households and 46 plantation owners seven villages around Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary western Thailand, area high human-elephant conflict. We sought to evaluate how past experiences with elephants (positive or negative), well socio-economic (age, income level, gender, employment type) affect coexistence this area. In addition, quantified deterrence methods currently used identify potential mitigation strategies supported by community members. general, less supportive were held individuals older than 35 years age, those who had previously experienced negative interactions elephants, lower incomes, working agricultural sector. Conversely, received benefits from living near (e.g., supplemental feelings pride hosting volunteers participating work) more views coexistence. Plantation reported using a variety varying success, firecrackers being most commonly utilized method. Community members identified several potentially beneficial including forest restorations patrol teams, adding water sources wild habitat, education local school groups. Overall, our results highlight value receiving suggest special incentives may be needed for demographic groups disproportionately affected (e.g. at levels, agriculture). A combination these other approaches will required if Thailand realized.