Climate change contributing to conflicts between livestock farming and guanaco conservation in central Chile: a subjective theories approach

Abstract

Negative interactions between guanacos Lama guanicoe and ranchers have recently intensified in central Chile because guanacos are perceived to be competing with livestock for pasture resources. We examined this conservation conflict with a novel approach that considers ranchers' subjective theories, to better understand the origins of the conflict and to identify effective conservation measures based on the participants' explanations. Our findings indicate that ranchers see the source of the current problem in a shift towards increasingly arid conditions associated with climate change. We suggest the ranchers’ perceived problems are not only caused by interspecific resource competition arising from this climatic shift, but also by reported difficulties in negotiating with governmental institutions. This study adds to knowledge of human–wildlife interactions by exploring a further dimension of the complex ecological and social interactions taking place on livestock farms. We recommend identifying effective, acceptable solutions by considering and understanding the everyday knowledge of the conflict's protagonists and their potential for change.

Human–wildlife conflicts in Patagonia: ranchers’ perceptions of guanacoLama guanicoeabundance

“…Incursions of wild herbivores into paddocks, attracted by grass regrowth, or the damage to crops intended for livestock, are some of the behaviours that have negative impacts on livestock production (Grigg, 2002; Hegel et al, 2009). However, the major concern is direct competition, as producers prefer that the forage consumed by wild herbivores be available for livestock (Grigg, 2002; Ranglack et al, 2015; Vargas et al, 2021). The usual comparison of the grazing pressure between wild and domestic herbivory (dry sheep equivalent, e.g.…”

“…This new plan did not consider scientific expertise, underlying socio-economic conflicts or the heterogeneity of guanaco populations, and exacerbated pre-existing conflicts (Lichtenstein et al, 2022). As with other wild herbivores (Grigg, 2002; Delibes-Mateos et al, 2011; Ranglack et al, 2015), the perception of the guanaco population as overabundant is the origin of guanaco–rancher conflict (Hernández et al, 2017; Vargas et al, 2021). Ranchers believe that the increasing numbers of guanacos harm their livestock through grazing competition (Baldi et al, 2010; Hernández et al, 2017; Vargas et al, 2021).…”

“…As with other wild herbivores (Grigg, 2002; Delibes-Mateos et al, 2011; Ranglack et al, 2015), the perception of the guanaco population as overabundant is the origin of guanaco–rancher conflict (Hernández et al, 2017; Vargas et al, 2021). Ranchers believe that the increasing numbers of guanacos harm their livestock through grazing competition (Baldi et al, 2010; Hernández et al, 2017; Vargas et al, 2021). Additional factors (e.g.…”

“…Additional factors (e.g. climate change and socio-political circumstances) also influence the complexity of this conflict (Vargas et al, 2021).…”

“…Although local ranchers are key stakeholders in guanaco conservation, their perceptions of the species have never previously been assessed in Argentina. Here, as guanaco abundance is the principal complaint in the guanaco–rancher conflict (Oliva et al, 2019; Vargas et al, 2021), we assess ranchers’ perceptions of guanaco abundance in Isla Grande and contrast these perceptions with estimated guanaco abundances and socio-ecological factors. This approach facilitates an assessment of the complexity of the conflict between large herbivores and ranchers.…”