Abstract
The exploration of people's attitudes in regard to other animal species with whom they co-exist in a shared ecosystem is a key element necessary for the improvement of local and regional conservation initiatives. In Ecuador, species such as the jaguar (Panthera Onca) require vast ranges of tropical rain forest and stretches of riverbank in order to survive in the wild. Increasing numbers of people share the forest with jaguars and other species. Habitat destruction and conversion, hunting and the potential lack of knowledge regarding the species’ ecological role continue to influence the conservation efforts of these threatened large cats. Many other species depend on the survival of jaguars for their own continued existence. During a weeklong trip to Baños, Ecuador in the month of March 2015, brief qualitative interviews of native Ecuadorians were conducted to find out how interviewees feel about, view, measure, and understand the presence of select animal species in the forest around them. Through examination of the responses to these interviews using qualitative thematic analysis insight can be gained regarding the local attitudes and ideas about species conservation and environmental education. Consulting those who live amongst the animals in the ecosystem day to day allows for a clearer understanding of the significance of jaguar and other species to the local people. The goal of this study is to observe how the culture views local environmental and biodiversity issues with a focus on endangered jaguar populations. This research has the potential to inform conservation efforts locally and regionally about the priorities, sentiments, challenges, and realities for the local people most intimately affected by conservation initiatives.
Faculty Sponsors
Eileen Smith-Cavros M.F.A., Ph.D.
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-10-2015 1:00 PM
End Date
4-10-2015 5:30 PM
Attitudes of Rural Ecuadorians Toward Conservation of Species and Environmental Education
Alvin Sherman Library
The exploration of people's attitudes in regard to other animal species with whom they co-exist in a shared ecosystem is a key element necessary for the improvement of local and regional conservation initiatives. In Ecuador, species such as the jaguar (Panthera Onca) require vast ranges of tropical rain forest and stretches of riverbank in order to survive in the wild. Increasing numbers of people share the forest with jaguars and other species. Habitat destruction and conversion, hunting and the potential lack of knowledge regarding the species’ ecological role continue to influence the conservation efforts of these threatened large cats. Many other species depend on the survival of jaguars for their own continued existence. During a weeklong trip to Baños, Ecuador in the month of March 2015, brief qualitative interviews of native Ecuadorians were conducted to find out how interviewees feel about, view, measure, and understand the presence of select animal species in the forest around them. Through examination of the responses to these interviews using qualitative thematic analysis insight can be gained regarding the local attitudes and ideas about species conservation and environmental education. Consulting those who live amongst the animals in the ecosystem day to day allows for a clearer understanding of the significance of jaguar and other species to the local people. The goal of this study is to observe how the culture views local environmental and biodiversity issues with a focus on endangered jaguar populations. This research has the potential to inform conservation efforts locally and regionally about the priorities, sentiments, challenges, and realities for the local people most intimately affected by conservation initiatives.
