Local ecological knowledge about human‐wildlife conflict: A Portuguese case study

Abstract

Abstract Human‐wildlife conflict has hindered the success of many management measures for the conservation of endangered species. Therefore, this study aims to establish which non-human species are in conflict with human beings and to understand how residents perceive human‐wildlife conflict, and how they proceed when in conflict with non-human animals, in the municipality of Santa Comba Dão. The author conducted unstructured interviews with the residents of this county on the subjects of locally existing and extinct species, and problems with amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and reptiles. In this study, the author found non-human species to be in conflict with human beings, with residents blaming them for economic losses. Foxes, for example, were accused of preying on farm animals. However, the residents also identified the construction of roads and the introduction of exotic species as economic activities that adversely affected native species. Interviewees also reported conflicts of interest between local hunters and farmers as the hunters' associations had introduced wild boar to the area, a species that consumes farmers' white potatoes and corn. Residents' perceptions were in part influenced by the local citizens' beliefs and values ‐ information not previously evaluated in this area. This type of information may be extremely useful during the planning of policy measures, given its importance to establishing effective public policies that protect biodiversity and improve sustainable development.