CARNIVORES PUBLIC APPRECIATION IN RURAL AREAS OF THE COASTAL RANGE OF SOUTHERN CHILE

Resumo

Human-wildlife coexistence in rural coastal areas of southern Chile is analyzed, emphasizing the variable nature of interactions and the negative impacts of human-wildlife conflict on both human well-being and wildlife populations. The objectives of the study include exploring local perceptions of carnivores, investigating the social factors that influence these perceptions, and collecting data through structured surveys to obtain information for specific con- servation interventions. To investigate the conflict between humans and carnivores in rural areas of southern Chile, structured surveys were carried out using questionnaires. The questionnaire addressed various topics, including demographic and socioeconomic information, management techniques used, predation history, and perceptions of carnivores in the area. A total of forty-three surveys were collected, revealing the deep vulnerability of rural dwellers to conflict and the high impact of livestock losses on their livelihoods. The most valued and commonly used handling techniques turned out to be confinement and the use of guard dogs. Respondents reported attacks by both native species (mainly pumas and foxes) and exotic species (dogs and introduced American minks) in roughly equal measures. The losses suffered by these ranchers were quantified as substantial, especially considering their reliance on subsistence economies.