Investigating the Cultural Context for Big Cat Conservation Around the World Kathleen Elizabeth Krafte Clemson University, [email protected]
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Clemson University TigerPrints All Dissertations Dissertations May 2019 Investigating the Cultural Context for Big Cat Conservation Around the World Kathleen Elizabeth Krafte Clemson University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_dissertations Recommended Citation Krafte, Kathleen Elizabeth, "Investigating the Cultural Context for Big Cat Conservation Around the World" (2019). All Dissertations. 2348. https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/2348 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Dissertations at TigerPrints. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Dissertations by an authorized administrator of TigerPrints. For more information, please contact [email protected]. INVESTIGATING THE CULTURAL CONTEXT FOR BIG CAT CONSERVATION AROUND THE WORLD A Dissertation Presented to the Graduate School of Clemson University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management by Kathleen Krafte Holland May 2019 Accepted by: Dr. Robert Powell, Committee Co-Chair Dr. Lincoln Larson, Committee Co-Chair Dr. Jeffrey Hallo Dr. David Jachowski ABSTRACT Populations of predators are in decline worldwide as human growth and development destroys and alters their habitats. At the same time, large predators are a tourist attraction in many regions of the world, bringing essential income to governments and local communities. The complex interactions between predator populations and local communities often result in conflicts that can negatively impact both humans and wildlife populations. To gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of human-predator conflict and potential solutions, this study focuses on assessing the social suitability for predator conservation that measures the cultural context for conservation in a region. First, a comprehensive literature review highlights gaps in current research on human- Panthera conflict and interventions. Then, an approach is developed and implemented to better understand socio-cultural factors at play, such as people’s tolerance towards predators, perceived risk of predators, alternate livelihood options, community resilience, the policy environment and local residents’ reliance on the environment. We use this approach to measure social suitability in communities living in or around protected areas in Vietnam and in Kenya and identify factors that influence this cultural context for predator conservation, including the potential effects of ecotourism-based livelihood strategies in the region. Our analysis, which answers growing calls to directly integrate social and cultural metrics into conservation planning, provides critical information that should influence the protection of both human livelihoods and predator populations. ii DEDICATION To Jackson. Never stop asking questions. Always explore. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First, I must thank my parents, MJ and Doug. It is hard to summarize the gratitude I feel for your unconditional love and support. You have both been role models to me for as long as I can remember and continue to believe in me, challenge me, push me, and catch me whenever I need it. Mom, I cannot ask for a better female role model in strength, determination, hard work, and balance. You never let me quit and that has instilled a determination in me that has allowed me to achieve this, and everything else I have. Dad, I have watched you pursue a career you are passionate about and achieve success all while being a fair, kind, and innovative leader. I wanted to pursue a PhD to follow in your footsteps but I value the character lessons I gained by watching you far more. Second, this dissertation, nor its author, would be the same without my husband, Hunter. This work has been a part of our story and I deeply value your friendship, support, and love. You challenge me as a partner and a colleague to become better every day. I could not ask for a better teammate and look forward to many more adventures together. I cannot wait to go back to Kenya with you. Third, to my siblings, Corey and Grace. You have shaped the person I am in so many ways and I credit our games and competition with inspiring my love of exploring and adventure. Finally, sincere thanks to my mentors and committee chairs, Bob and Lincoln. I am very grateful for your input, guidance, and friendship throughout this journey and look forward to continued work together. Thanks also to Jeff, David, and Larry whose support and advice has helped shape this dissertation. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TITLE PAGE .................................................................................................................... i ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................... ii DEDICATION ................................................................................................................ iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .............................................................................................. iv LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................... vii LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................... viii CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................ 7 Outline of the Dissertation ....................................................................... 9 References .............................................................................................. 12 II. CHARACTERIZING CONFLICT BETWEEN HUMANS AND BIG CATS PANTHERA spp. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RESEARCH TRENDS AND MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................................. 18 Abstract .................................................................................................. 18 Introduction ............................................................................................ 20 Methods .................................................................................................. 22 Results .................................................................................................... 29 Discussion .............................................................................................. 34 Conclusions ............................................................................................ 43 References .............................................................................................. 46 III. A MULTI-SCALE ANALYSIS OF CULTURAL CONTEXT FOR PREDATOR REINTRODUCTIONS IN DONG VAN KARST PLATEAU GEOPARK, VIETNAM ................................................... 52 Abstract .................................................................................................. 52 Introduction ............................................................................................ 53 v Table of Contents (Continued) Page Literature Review ................................................................................... 55 Methods .................................................................................................. 66 Results .................................................................................................... 72 Discussion .............................................................................................. 81 References .............................................................................................. 88 IV. FACTORS INFLUENCING TOLERANCE OF PREDATORS NEAR THE MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE IN KENYA: WHAT ROLE DOES TOURISM PLAY? ..................................................... 103 Abstract ................................................................................................ 103 Introduction .......................................................................................... 105 Methods ................................................................................................ 112 Results .................................................................................................. 120 Discussion ............................................................................................ 130 References ............................................................................................ 137 V. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION ......................................................... 152 Study Limitations ................................................................................. 158 Future Research Opportunities and Conclusion .................................. 159 APPENDICES ............................................................................................................. 161 A: Supplemental Information for Systematic Review On Human-Panthera Conflict .................................................................... 162 B: Survey Instrument Used in Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Vietnam Data Collection ............................................................ 166 C: Survey Instrument Used in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Data Collection ................................................................ 175 vi LIST OF TABLES Table Page 2.1 Documented Efficacy of Various Intervention Strategies To Mitigate Human-Panthera Conflict based