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Ibbett H, Jones JP, Dorward L, Kohi EM, Dwiyahreni AA, Prayitno K, Sankeni S, Kaduma J, Mchomvu J, Saputra AW, Sabiladiyni H, Supriatna J, St John FAV. A mixed methods approach for measuring topic sensitivity in conservation. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2023; 5:1245-1261. [PMID: 37560063 PMCID: PMC7614907 DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Conservationists increasingly aim to understand human behaviour to inform intervention design. However, obtaining information from people about their behaviour can be challenging, particularly if the research topic is considered sensitive. Topic sensitivity may raise methodological, ethical, political and legal concerns which, if poorly addressed, can have significant impacts on research participants, the research process, data quality and the success of conservation outcomes that are informed by research findings. While considerable effort has been invested in developing techniques for reducing bias when collecting data on sensitive topics, less attention has been focused on identifying if, and why, a topic is sensitive.We use a mixed methods approach to explore how willing people are to discuss topics that could be considered sensitive (e.g. illegal wildlife hunting). Collecting data from people living near protected areas in Indonesia (n = 362) and Tanzania (n = 345), we developed and tested a psychometric scale to measure topic sensitivity at the respondent level and conducted group exercises (free-lists and pile sorts) to gain a deeper understanding of peoples' willingness to discuss different topics.The perceived sensitivity of topics varied both within and between the two focal contexts, with more topics being perceived as sensitive in Tanzania than Indonesia. Participants' knowledge of rules, and their experiences of living alongside protected areas affected how sensitive they considered topics to be.Mixed methods approaches can provide holistic and nuanced understanding of topic sensitivity. However, recognising that in-depth studies are not always feasible to implement, we demonstrate that methods, such as our Sensitivity Index, can easily be adapted for different contexts and deployed to rapidly obtain valuable insights on topic sensitivity, to help inform conservation research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Ibbett
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Julia P.G. Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Leejiah Dorward
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Edward M. Kohi
- Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Asri A. Dwiyahreni
- Research Centre for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Karlina Prayitno
- Research Centre for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Stephen Sankeni
- Conservation and Human Behaviour Research Group, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Joseph Kaduma
- Conservation and Human Behaviour Research Group, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Jesca Mchomvu
- Conservation and Human Behaviour Research Group, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | | | | | - Jatna Supriatna
- Research Centre for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Freya A. V. St John
- Research Centre for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Integrating multiple aspects of human–elephant conflict management in Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Froese GZL, Ebang Mbélé A, Beirne C, Atsame L, Bayossa C, Bazza B, Bidzime Nkoulou M, Dzime N'noh S, Ebeba J, Edzidzie J, Ekazama Koto S, Imbomba S, Mandomobo Mapio E, Mandou Mabouanga HG, Mba Edang E, Landry Metandou J, Mossindji C, Ngoboutseboue I, Nkwele C, Nzemfoule E, Sala Elie B, Sergent A, Poulsen JR. Coupling paraecology and hunter GPS self‐follows to quantify village bushmeat hunting dynamics across the landscape scale. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Graden Z. L. Froese
- Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Durham North Carolina USA
- Nsombou Abalghe‐Dzal Association (NADA) Makokou Gabon
- Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale (IRET/CENAREST) Libreville Gabon
| | - Alex Ebang Mbélé
- Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Durham North Carolina USA
- Nsombou Abalghe‐Dzal Association (NADA) Makokou Gabon
- Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN) Libreville Gabon
| | - Christopher Beirne
- Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Lucie Atsame
- Nsombou Abalghe‐Dzal Association (NADA) Makokou Gabon
| | | | - Blaise Bazza
- Nsombou Abalghe‐Dzal Association (NADA) Makokou Gabon
| | | | | | - Jovin Ebeba
- Nsombou Abalghe‐Dzal Association (NADA) Makokou Gabon
| | | | | | - Serge Imbomba
- Nsombou Abalghe‐Dzal Association (NADA) Makokou Gabon
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christ Nkwele
- Nsombou Abalghe‐Dzal Association (NADA) Makokou Gabon
| | | | | | | | - John R. Poulsen
- Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Durham North Carolina USA
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Thompson RM, Hall J, Morrison C, Palmer NR, Roberts DL. Ethics and governance for internet-based conservation science research. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1747-1754. [PMID: 34057267 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Internet-based research is increasingly important for conservation science and has wide-ranging applications and contexts, including culturomics, illegal wildlife trade, and citizen science. However, online research methods pose a range of ethical and legal challenges. Online data may be protected by copyright, database rights, or contract law. Privacy rights may also restrict the use and access of data, as well as ethical requirements from institutions. Online data have real-world meaning, and the ethical treatment of individuals and communities must not be marginalized when conducting internet-based research. As ethics frameworks originally developed for biomedical applications are inadequate for these methods, we propose that research activities involving the analysis of preexisting online data be treated analogous to offline social science methods, in particular, nondeceptive covert observation. By treating internet users and their data with respect and due consideration, conservationists can uphold the public trust needed to effectively address real-world issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth M Thompson
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Jordan Hall
- Information Compliance Office, Darwin College, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Chris Morrison
- Copyright, Licensing & Policy, Information Services, Templeman Library, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Nicole R Palmer
- Research Ethics and Governance, Research Services, The Registry, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - David L Roberts
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Wardropper CB, Dayer AA, Goebel MS, Martin VY. Conducting conservation social science surveys online. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1650-1658. [PMID: 33887800 PMCID: PMC9292579 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting the environment and conservation research in fundamental ways. Many conservation social scientists are now administering survey questionnaires online, but they must do so while ensuring rigor in data collection. Further, they must address a suite of unique challenges, such as the increasing use of mobile devices by participants and avoiding bots or other survey fraud. We reviewed recent literature on online survey methods to examine the state of the field related to online data collection and dissemination. We illustrate the review with examples of key methodological decisions made during a recent national study of people who feed wild birds, in which survey respondents were recruited through an online panel and a sample generated via a project participant list. Conducting surveys online affords new opportunities for participant recruitment, design, and pilot testing. For instance, online survey panels can provide quick access to large and diverse samples of people. Based on the literature review and our own experiences, we suggest that to ensure high-quality online surveys one should account for potential sampling and nonresponse error, design survey instruments for use on multiple devices, test the instrument, and use multiple protocols to identify data quality problems. We also suggest that research funders, journal editors, and policy makers can all play a role in ensuring high-quality survey data are used to inform effective conservation programs and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe B. Wardropper
- Department of Natural Resources and SocietyUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Ashley A. Dayer
- Department of Fish and Wildlife ConservationVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Madeline S. Goebel
- Department of Natural Resources and SocietyUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Victoria Y. Martin
- Institute for Future EnvironmentsQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Cornell Lab of OrnithologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
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Ibbett H, Jones JP, St John FA. Asking sensitive questions in conservation using Randomised Response Techniques. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 2021; 260:109191. [PMID: 34404956 PMCID: PMC8346952 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Conservation increasingly seeks knowledge of human behaviour. However, securing reliable data can be challenging, particularly if the behaviour is illegal or otherwise sensitive. Specialised questioning methods such as Randomised Response Techniques (RRTs) are increasingly used in conservation to provide greater anonymity, increase response rates, and reduce bias. A rich RRT literature exists, but successfully navigating it can be challenging. To help conservationists access this literature, we summarise the various RRT designs available and conduct a systematic review of empirical applications of RRTs within (n = 32), and beyond conservation (n = 66). Our results show increased application of RRTs in conservation since 2000. We compare the performance of RRTs against known prevalence of the sensitive behaviour and relative to other questioning techniques to assess how successful RRTs are at reducing bias (indicated by securing higher estimates). Findings suggest that RRT applications in conservation were less likely than those in other disciplines to provide prevalence estimates equal to, or higher than those derived from direct questions. Across all disciplines, we found reports of non-compliance with RRT instructions were common, but rarely accounted for in study design or analysis. For the first time, we provide conservationists considering RRTs with evidence on what works, and provide guidance on how to develop robust designs suitable for conservation research contexts. We highlight when alternate methods should be used, how to increase design efficiency and improve compliance with RRT instructions. We conclude RRTs are a useful tool, but their performance depends on careful design and implementation.
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Bailey K, Salerno J, Newton P, Bitariho R, Namusisi S, Tinkasimire R, Hartter J. Woodlot management and livelihoods in a tropical conservation landscape. AMBIO 2021; 50:1351-1363. [PMID: 33538986 PMCID: PMC8116397 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In biodiversity hotspots, there is often tension between human needs and conservation, exacerbated when protected areas prevent access to natural resources. Forest-dependent people may compensate for exclusion by managing unprotected forests or cultivating planted woodlots. Outside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, household wood product needs are high and population growth puts pressure on the environment. We investigated the role of privately and collectively managed woodlots in provisioning wood products and supporting local livelihoods. We found that households relied heavily on woodlots for daily needs and as resources during time of need. We also found that locally relevant social institutions, called stretcher groups, played a role in the management of woodlots, providing shared community resources. Privately and collectively owned woodlots support local livelihoods and wood product needs in the region. Long-term management of forests in Uganda should consider the value of woodlots and the mechanisms required to support them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Bailey
- Environmental Studies Program, Sustainability, Energy and Environment Community, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO 80303 USA
| | - Jonathan Salerno
- Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Campus Box 1480, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA
- Campus Box 1480, Fort Collins, CO 80524 USA
| | - Peter Newton
- Environmental Studies Program, Sustainability, Energy and Environment Community, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO 80303 USA
| | - Robert Bitariho
- Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 44, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Shamilah Namusisi
- Makerere University, P.O BOX 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- P. O Box 36839, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rogers Tinkasimire
- Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 44, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Joel Hartter
- Environmental Studies Program, Sustainability, Energy and Environment Community, University of Colorado Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO 80303 USA
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Knox J, Ruppert K, Frank B, Sponarski CC, Glikman JA. Usage, definition, and measurement of coexistence, tolerance and acceptance in wildlife conservation research in Africa. AMBIO 2021; 50:301-313. [PMID: 32557171 PMCID: PMC7782642 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01352-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The terms 'coexistence', 'tolerance,' and 'acceptance' appear frequently in conservation literature, but lack consistent characterization, making them difficult to apply across intervention frameworks. This review aims to describe the common characterizations of these three terms using Africa-based research as a case study. Through systematic lexical searches, we identified 392 papers containing one or more of the three terms. We assessed their usage, definition, and measurement (or lack thereof) in wildlife conservation. Coexistence was used in 46% of papers, but was defined in only 2% and measured in 4%. Tolerance and acceptance were used in 63% and 61% of the papers in which they appeared, respectively, defined in 4% and 2%, and measured in 19% and 5%. These results confirm the lack of clear understanding of these concepts and evidence the need for a precise lexicon. This would allow conservationists to cohesively describe their work and increase replicability of research across contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Knox
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027 USA
- Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, 111 E Taylor Street, Phoenix, AZ 85287 USA
| | - Kirstie Ruppert
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027 USA
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469 USA
| | - Beatrice Frank
- Capital Regional District-Regional Parks Canada, Victoria, BC V9B2Z8 Canada
| | - Carly C. Sponarski
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469 USA
| | - Jenny Anne Glikman
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027 USA
- Present Address: Instituto de Estudios Sociales Avanzados (IESA-CSIC), Campo Santo de los Mártires 7, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
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Abstract
AbstractHunting is a primary driver of biodiversity loss across South-east Asia. Within Cambodia, the use of wire snares to capture wildlife is a severe threat in protected areas but there have been few studies of the behaviour of hunters from local communities. Here, we combine the unmatched count technique with direct questioning to estimate the prevalence of hunting behaviours and wildlife consumption amongst 705 households living within Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia. We assessed respondents’ knowledge of rules, and their perceptions of patrols responsible for enforcing rules. Estimates of hunting behaviour were variable: results from the unmatched count technique were inconclusive, and direct questioning revealed 9% of households hunted, and 20% set snares around farms to prevent wildlife eating crops. Hunting with domestic dogs was the method most commonly used to catch wildlife (87% of households owned dogs). Wild meat was consumed by 84% of households, and was most frequently bought or caught, but also gifted. We detected a high awareness of conservation rules, but low awareness of punishments and penalties, with wildlife depletion, rather than the risk of being caught by patrols, causing the greatest reduction in hunting. Our findings demonstrate the challenges associated with reliably estimating rule-breaking behaviour and highlight the need to incorporate careful triangulation into study design.
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Brittain S, Ibbett H, de Lange E, Dorward L, Hoyte S, Marino A, Milner-Gulland EJ, Newth J, Rakotonarivo S, Veríssimo D, Lewis J. Ethical considerations when conservation research involves people. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:925-933. [PMID: 31953971 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Social science is becoming increasingly important in conservation, with more studies involving methodologies that collect data from and about people. Conservation science is a normative and applied discipline designed to support and inform management and practice. Poor research practice risks harming participants and, researchers, and can leave negative legacies. Often, those at the forefront of field-based research are early-career researchers, many of whom enter their first research experience ill-prepared for the ethical conundrums they may face. We draw on our own experiences as early-career researchers to illuminate how ethical challenges arise during conservation research that involves human participants. Specifically, we considered ethical review procedures, conflicts of values, and power relations, and devised broad recommendations on how to navigate ethical challenges when they arise during research. In particular, we recommend researchers apply reflexivity (i.e., thinking that allows researchers to recognize the effect researchers have on the research) to help navigate ethical challenges and encourage greater engagement with ethical review processes and the development of ethical guidelines for conservation research that involves human participants. Such guidelines must be accompanied by the integration of rigorous ethical training into conservation education. We believe our experiences are not uncommon and can be avoided and hope to spark discussion to contribute to a more socially just conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Brittain
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Rd, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, U.K
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Outer Cir, London, NW1 4RY, U.K
| | - Harriet Ibbett
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Rd, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, U.K
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2DG, U.K
| | - Emiel de Lange
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, U.K
| | - Leejiah Dorward
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Rd, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, U.K
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2DG, U.K
| | - Simon Hoyte
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, Gower St, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Agnese Marino
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Outer Cir, London, NW1 4RY, U.K
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, Gower St, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - E J Milner-Gulland
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Rd, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, U.K
| | - Julia Newth
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, U.K
- Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Slimbridge, Gloucester, GL2 7BT, U.K
| | - Sarobidy Rakotonarivo
- Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, U.K
| | - Diogo Veríssimo
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Rd, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, U.K
- San Diego Zoo Global, 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, CA, 92101, U.S.A
| | - Jerome Lewis
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, Gower St, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
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