Social aspects of biodiversity conflicts: the case of human-jaguar coexistence in Calakmul, Mexico

Biodiversity conflicts considering human-wildlife interactions have usually been addressed in regard to the impacts of animals on human beings or properties and, conversely, of humans on animals, with the ultimate goal of reducing those impacts. However, this has rarely lead to long term conflict resolution, which suggests that conflict management should reside further than in the material aspect of damages and could be mainly affected by the underlying human-human conflict. Through the case study of the biodiversity conflict occurring around human-jaguar coexistence in the Calakmul region, in Mexico, our research will look into more detail at the actors’ perceptions of their own and others’ positions, at their roles within the debate surrounding jaguar management, and how these social aspects influence biodiversity conflict. Ultimately, we want to know if the consideration of human-human relationships could lead to enhanced management of biodiversity conflicts in a way that can reduce biodiversity impacts, resulting in better conservation outcomes for wildlife.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sophie Calmé

Student:

Partner:

El Colegio de le Frontera Sur

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Sherbrooke

Program: