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Comparison of local knowledge and researcher-led observations for wildlife exploitation assessment and management

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Andrew Temple, Professor Selina Stead, Professor Per Berggren

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Abstract

The use of local knowledge observations to generate empirical wildlife resource exploitationdata in data-poor, capacity-limited settings is increasing. Yet, there are few studies quantitativelyexamining their relationship with those made by researchers or natural resource managers.We present a case study comparing intra-annual patterns in effort and mobulid ray(Mobula spp.) catches derived from local knowledge and fisheries landings data at identicalspatiotemporal scales in Zanzibar (Tanzania). The Bland–Altman approach to method comparisonwas used to quantify agreement, bias and precision between methods. Observationsfrom the local knowledge of fishers and those led by researchers showed significant evidenceof agreement, demonstrating the potential for local knowledge to act as a proxy, or complement,for researcher-led methods in assessing intra-annual patterns of wildlife resource exploitation.However, there was evidence of bias and low precision between methods, undermining anyassumptions of equivalency. Our results underline the importance of considering bias and precisionbetween methods as opposed to simply assessing agreement, as is commonplace in theliterature. This case study demonstrates the value of rigorous method comparison in informingthe appropriate use of outputs from different knowledge sources, thus facilitating the sustainablemanagement of wildlife resources and the livelihoods of those reliant upon them.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Temple AJ, Stead SM, Hind-Ozan E, Jiddawi N, Berggren P

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Environmental Conservation

Year: 2020

Volume: 47

Issue: 4

Pages: 304-309

Print publication date: 01/12/2020

Online publication date: 20/08/2020

Acceptance date: 20/08/2020

ISSN (print): 0376-8929

ISSN (electronic): 1469-4387

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

URL: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892920000296

DOI: 10.1017/S0376892920000296

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