By Gliselle Marin | Development Manager
On March 30, 2019, Ya’axché Conservation Trust's Human/Jaguar Conflict team met with the nine farmers currently utilizing mitigation strategies on their farm. Our Protected Areas Management Director, Protected Areas Manager and Research Officer, facilitated a farmer forum at Ya’axché's Golden Stream Field station to discuss the ongoing progress of mitigation measures, review mitigation data, and determine the most effective strategies for preventing jaguar attacks on livestock. Farm profiles were compiled and reviewed to assess the success of mitigation combinations. Farmers engaged in an open discussion about their experiences with the different mitigation tools on their farms. The accompanying camera traps deployed on farms helped the team and farmers to monitor the presence of jaguars and other wildlife around the farm. During the discussion, farmer's were asked four questions:
-What are the main issues in your farm?
-How can you contribute to reducing the human-jaguar conflict?
-What can we do to work together (Ya’axché and Farmers)?
-What is the best way to receive information about the human jaguar conflict?
The feedback from farmers was positive and it was clear that over time, these farmers have come to view this project as more of a partnership than an initiative led by Ya’axché. In addition, they recognized their own role in the success of the program and have embraced the responsibility of monitoring and data collection. Based on the review of profiles and the feedback from farmers, it has been concluded that the most successful combination of mitigation measures is the 360 degree solar lights when combines with proper coral use and fencing of the farm. These forums serve to better inform our human/jaguar conflict team on the measures to implement on potential new farms. Moving forward, Ya’axché is gathering information to implement 2 more demonstration farms based on needs assessments in target communities. Contributions from GlobalGiving donors, help to make this initiative possible and allows us to assist farmers to protect their livelihood, and Ya’axché to protect jaguar population is southern Belize.
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