Evaluating The Effects Of A Conservation Intervention On Rural Farmers' Attitudes Toward Lions

Using an experimental approach, we analyzed the self-reported changes in farmers' attitudes toward the African lion (Panthera leo) and a community-based lion conservation program (i.e., the Long Shields Community Guardians), before and after implementation. This program protects livestock and mitigates lion depredation through non-lethal means, with the aim of promoting human-lion coexistence. Results indicated a significant positive shift in attitudes of lions by farmers in the treatment group. This was also the case for farmers in what was recognized as a second unplanned treatment group, called the intermediate group, who learned about the program through communication within their peer network. This article contributed to the growing literature on conservation evaluation and demonstrates that people's attitudes are valuable for assessing the impact of conservation programs.