Social network analysis and spatial modeling of human-leopard conflict hotspots in Lorestan province, Central Zagros, Iran
Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
2 Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran
Abstract
Conflict between local communities and leopards (Panthera pardus) is a very complex issue that is influenced by the biology of the species, social and political attitudes, and management plans. Therefore, understanding the factors that contribute to the complexity of conflict is crucial for developing appropriate strategies to reduce these conflicts. The aim of the present study was to assess the level of conflicts between leopards and local communities within the Lorestan province, located in the central Zagros region. In order to investigate the attitude of local people towards leopards and also to identify socio-economic factors affecting the conflict between leopards and human interests, a specialized questionnaire was designed and completed by random sampling and face-to-face interviews with local communities living within leopard habitats throughout the province. Social network analysis was used to examine the vulnerability of local communities to leopard attacks. Conflict hotspots were modeled using kernel density function and the optimized hotspot analysis hotspot analysis. In addition, kernel density function was used to identify areas at risk of road casualties. The results of the network analysis showed that leopard provocation, sudden encounters with leopards, habitat destruction, lack of sufficient knowledge about leopard behavior, and drought have the highest centrality, proximity, and intermediation, respectively, among the factors affecting leopard attacks on humans and livestock. Hotspots for leopard attacks on humans and livestock were identified in parts of the west, center, south, and east of the study area. A significant portion of the conflict hotspots as well as hotspots for leopard road accidents were identified in protected areas, especially Sefidkooh protected area. Based on the findings of this study, effective management of the challenges associated with large carnivore conflicts requires identifying interventions and implementing effective measures that can reduce the risk of conflict and/or the negative impacts of these conflicts on the livelihoods of local communities.
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