Panthera Corporation

Human intolerance is a critical factor limiting both the distributions and populations of large carnivores. Using gray wolves as a case study, we synthesize a half-century of scholarship with the aims of clarifying the conceptual foundations of “tolerance” and integrating insights from across the social sciences. Specifically, we review longitudinal studies of attitudes toward wolves and show how trends vary across the populations examined. We then identify and discuss three complementary theories that help explain variation in tolerance across individuals, social groups, and societies: (1) Risk–benefit theories illuminate how perceptions of risks, benefits, and controllability shape individuals’ tolerance of carnivores; (2) Modernization theory explains societal shifts in values and shows how reduced threats from carnivores impact tolerance at the societal level; and (3) Social Identity Theory highlights how identification with interest groups (e.g., hunters, environmentalists) shape beliefs in a manner that serves to exacerbate inter-group conflicts. Linking these theoretical perspectives provides a more holistic framework for understanding why tolerance can change within populations, and why inter-group conflicts persist even as societal attitudes have become more favorable. We conclude by outlining research priorities aimed at improving our understanding of tolerance and the conditions that allow for human–carnivore coexistence.

Ranger patrols are a cornerstone of wildlife protection efforts around the world and occur across all ecological governance systems. Evidence that patrols reduce threats to wildlife and enable their recovery has not been systematically examined previously. Without evidence of patrol effectiveness in varying contexts, protected area managers risk wasting limited conservation resources and lack information required to improve the effectiveness of patrols. We conducted a meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of terrestrial patrols for conserving African, Asian, and Latin American wildlife directly threatened by exploitation. After filtering 57 studies, we calculated effect sizes from each of the remaining 15 studies that included a comparator and measurement of wildlife abundance and calculated standardised mean difference and % change in wildlife species abundance. Results suggest tentative support that areas implementing patrols (alongside other interventions) were associated with higher wildlife abundance levels compared to time periods or locations without patrols. We were unable to confirm causality between patrols and changes in wildlife population abundance because studies were inadequately designed to evaluate and report on effectiveness. Studies commonly lacked a comparator or counterfactual event, temporal or spatial replication, and consistent and/or long-term monitoring of population abundance, and had study designs that confounded conservation actions. Further, of the 15 included studies linking wildlife abundance to patrol efforts, five also reported a reduction in a poaching threat, but only three of these used a comparator in the threat reduction evaluation. Without monitoring threat trends alongside wildlife abundance, it is difficult to be confident that patrols resulted in increases in wildlife abundance. To help evaluate patrol interventions (i.e. not only whether they work but where and under what conditions they work), we identify opportunities to improve future patrol effectiveness research and provide recommendations on how to improve the evidence base.

Mountain regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Yet, little is known about local adaptation responses in African mountain regions, especially if these are incremental or transformational. First, using household questionnaires, we interviewed 1,500 farmers across ten African mountain regions to investigate perceived climate change impacts and adaptation responses. Second, through a reflective process involving all co-authors, we identified: (1) main constraints and opportunities for adaptation, and (2) if adaptation was incremental or transformational. Questionnaire data show that farmers in all sites perceive multiple impacts, and that they mostly respond by intensifying farming practices and using off-farm labour. We established that, while several constraints were shared across sites, others were context specific; and that adaptation was mostly incremental, but that certain attributes (for example, social capital) made three sites in East Africa slightly more transformational. Climate change is impacting mountain regions and the agricultural livelihood of residents, and will continue to do so. In this study, the authors survey farmers in ten African mountain regions to understand their perceptions of climate change impacts and identify adaptation opportunities and constraints.

In southern Africa, the historical ranges of both the lion (Panthera leo) and leopard (Panthera pardus) have significantly contracted due to various threats, despite this region harbouring the healthiest populations of these species on the continent. Key threats include habitat loss, prey depletion, human-wildlife conflict, incidental bycatch from bushmeat poaching, and targeted and opportunistic poaching for body parts. To address these challenges, we conducted threat assessments for both species within the southern African subregion. Here, we specifically examine the impacts of illegal wildlife trade and associated wildlife crime, with our analysis focusing on identifying major threats to each species, their geographical distribution, and proposed mitigation strategies. We highlight the transnational nature of many wildlife crime threats, particularly with regard to wild cat products ear-marked for traditional Chinese medicine markets and traditional African medicine markets. We also draw attention to the common challenges confronting counter-wildlife crime efforts, such as inter-agency information sharing and limited effective cross-border collaboration, particularly where wildlife trafficking occurs. Emphasizing the critical need for international cooperation to combat transboundary wildlife crime, our discussion underscores the significance of developing cooperative mechanisms to enhance regional conservation efforts and combat the illicit trade threatening lion and leopard populations in southern Africa.

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the cornerstones of OSA management and requires multidisciplinary care management. When complete, the study will provide data on the use of the Panthera D-SAD, a CAD/CAM, 3D printed biocompatible nylon oral appliance. The primary endpoint of at least a ≥50% reduction in baseline apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) will be evaluated at five years, with interim sleep data at 3-6 months. The study fulfills French reimbursement requirements. OAT naïve individuals with an AHI of 15-30 or those with severe OSA (AHI > 30) who decline CPAP and meet all other criteria will be included. Sites will follow the standard of care in France. Fifteen centers will enroll 217 participants via consecutive sampling. Participants will be medically and dentally evaluated. Evaluation time points are three to six months (sleep testing/medical), annual check-in, and five years (both). Secondary endpoints include side effects, oxygenation metrics, quality of life, self-reported adherence, and subjective symptoms. Ethics approval obtained. Enrollment is complete (N=257). Baseline demographics n=239 (mean/SD): Age 50.7 (12.8), BMI 26.6 (4.7), M 51%, AHI 22.7 (9.0), ODI 17.0 (11.4), lowest SpO2 84.6% (6.8), ESS >10, 42.4% (n=198). Change from baseline sleep respiratory variables at 3-6 Mos (n=179): a mean decrease in AHI of 10.5 (8.1) and an AHI reduction ≥ 50% in 60.3%. Additionally, 87.8% of moderate and 83.4% of severe transitioned to a lower AHI classification. ODI decreased to 9.7 (8.4). Subjective usage was sustained >4 hrs./night at six months in 94.8% of participants and 91.9% at one year (n=76), averaging 6.4 nights per week, demonstrating sustained adherence. Treatment satisfaction was 85.8% at three months. The mean ESS decreased from 9.1 (5.3) to 7.4 (4.8). The ≥50% AHI reduction was not influenced by BMI categories or gender, (p= 0.813 and 0.694, respectively). These data demonstrate a reduction in total mean AHI with a substantial transition migration to a less severe AHI category. High OAT acceptance and adherence were found. In this sample, the percentage of patients whose AHI decreased by at least 50% does not differ between the subgroups. Panthera Dental Inc.