A novel approach to assessing the prevalence and drivers of illegal bushmeat hunting in the serengeti.

ABSTRACT: Assessing anthropogenic effects on biological diversity, identifying drivers of human behavior, and motivating behavioral change are at the core of effective conservation. Yet knowledge of people's behaviors is often limited because the true extent of natural resource exploitation is difficult to ascertain, particularly if it is illegal. To obtain estimates of rule-breaking behavior, a technique has been developed with which to ask sensitive questions. We used this technique, unmatched-count technique (UCT), to provide estimates of bushmeat poaching, to determine motivation and seasonal and spatial distribution of poaching, and to characterize poaching households in the Serengeti. We also assessed the potential for survey biases on the basis of respondent perceptions of understanding, anon

SUBMITTER: Nuno A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4232883 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature