% pubman genre = article @article{item_3374361, title = {{The effect of warning signs on the presence of snare traps in a Ugandan rainforest (advance online)}}, author = {Fedurek, Pawel and Akankwasa, John W. and Danel, Dariusz P. and Fensome, Samuel and Zuberb{\"u}hler, Klaus and Muhanguzi, Geoffrey and Crockford, Catherine and Asiimwe, Caroline}, language = {eng}, issn = {0006-3606; 1744-7429}, doi = {10.1111/btp.13088}, year = {2022}, abstract = {{Since chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) conservation often involves local human popula- tions, conservation strategies must consider psychological factors that impact their behavior. In Budongo Forest, Uganda, for example, local communities commonly en- gage in snare trap (hereafter: snare) setting for wild meat. This illegal activity posits a substantial threat to wild chimpanzees, causing permanent wounds or death for those who are snared. Despite various schemes previously implemented to address snare setting{\textemdash}an activity that is fueled by poverty, the problem and its detrimental impact on chimpanzees persists. Here, we experimentally tested a novel interven- tion, a systematic display of specially designed warning signs aimed at local poachers. We monitored the presence of snares before and after introducing these signs over a total period of two years and compared it with that of a similar sized control area with no intervention. Results show that snares were less likely to be present during the {\textquotedblleft}sign{\textquotedblright} period than during the {\textquotedblleft}non-sign{\textquotedblright} period in the experimental but not in the control area. We discuss the potential of this cost-effective intervention for limiting illegal activities that pose a severe threat to chimpanzees and other species inhabiting tropical forests.}}, journal = {{Biotropica}}, }