%0 Journal Article
%A Fedurek, Pawel
%A Akankwasa, John W.
%A Danel, Dariusz P.
%A Fensome, Samuel
%A Zuberbühler, Klaus
%A Muhanguzi, Geoffrey
%A Crockford, Catherine
%A Asiimwe, Caroline
%+ Department of Human Behavior Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Max Planck Society
%T The effect of warning signs on the presence of snare traps in a Ugandan rainforest : 
%G eng
%U https://hdl.handle.net/21.11116/0000-000A-2AB3-D
%R 10.1111/btp.13088
%7 2022-03-19
%D 2022
%8 19.03.2022
%* Review method: peer-reviewed
%X Since chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) conservation often involves local human popula-<br>tions, conservation strategies must consider psychological factors that impact their <br>behavior. In Budongo Forest, Uganda, for example, local communities commonly en-<br>gage in snare trap (hereafter: snare) setting for wild meat. This illegal activity posits <br>a substantial threat to wild chimpanzees, causing permanent wounds or death for <br>those who are snared. Despite various schemes previously implemented to address <br>snare setting—an activity that is fueled by poverty, the problem and its detrimental <br>impact on chimpanzees persists. Here, we experimentally tested a novel interven-<br>tion, a systematic display of specially designed warning signs aimed at local poachers. <br>We monitored the presence of snares before and after introducing these signs over <br>a total period of two years and compared it with that of a similar sized control area <br>with no intervention. Results show that snares were less likely to be present during <br>the “sign” period than during the “non-sign” period in the experimental but not in the <br>control area. We discuss the potential of this cost-effective intervention for limiting <br>illegal activities that pose a severe threat to chimpanzees and other species inhabiting <br>tropical forests.<br>
%K conservation, Pan troglodytes, poaching, snare setting, warning signs
%J Biotropica
%V 54
%N 3
%& 721
%P 721 - 728
%@ 0006-36061744-7429