Conservation of the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus): carnivore and people relationships in the southeast of Brazil

Maned wolves are endangered carnivores endemic to Brazil. This research aimed to compare the attitudes of interest groups towards the conservation of the maned wolf in urban and rural areas; to investigate how such attitudes may influence the maned wolf's status and conservation; and to recommend ways to incorporate such knowledge into strategies to conserve both wolf and habitat.

The methodology used questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires targeted people living in the neighbourhood of conservation areas, staff and students (year 8 and sixth-form) of local schools; staff and visitors to conservation areas and zoos in three main research locations: Greater São Paulo, the Low Mogiana region and São Carlos city. Other conservation areas and zoos within the São Paulo state contributed further data. The relationship between socio-demographic factors and attitudes towards the maned wolf conservation was also investigated to identify the most positive and negative profiles of respondents.

Overall, results indicate a lack of antagonism between urban and rural populations. Results suggest that negative attitudes towards the maned wolf related to: misconceptions about feeding habits and to a lack of clear differentiation between the maned wolf and Canis lupus; perceptions of threat connected to the presence of the maned wolf on people's properties; and possibly values undermining local wildlife. Results, however, consistently indicated local people's tolerance towards the species and towards occasional predation events. Results also indicate discrepancies existing between bio/education professionals' expectations of local people's attitudes and the actual attitudes displayed by the latter. Recommendations addressed misconceptions and values regarding the maned wolf, inclusion of the local community and their issues, and relationships between interest groups for the benefit of maned wolf conservation.

The positive attitudes of a majority towards the maned wolf suggest they may support actions favourable to the species and maintain their position in case of conflict. However, further investigation is advised into local people's awareness of the causes of the decline of the maned wolf and of how their behaviour may affect populations of wolves.