Evaluating deterrents of illegal behaviour in conservation: Carnivore killing in rural Taiwan. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: ST. John, Freya A.V.; Mai, Chin-Hsuan; Pei, Kurtis J.-C.
• Is Part Of: Biological conservation. Volume 189(2015)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Social norms -- Guilt -- Enforcement -- Compliance -- Randomized response technique; Conservation of natural resources -- Periodicals; Nature conservation -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.9516
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2014.08.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3207

Abstract

Highlights: We used randomized response and direct questions to estimate wildlife killing. We modelled potential sources of deterrence: state sanctions, social norms and guilt. Investigating sensitive topics demands the use of specialized questioning techniques. Injunctive and descriptive norms and probability of punishment deter rule-breaking. Harnessing norms that encourage compliance offers potential for reducing illegal hunting. Abstract: Rules restricting resource use are ubiquitous to conservation. Recent increases in poaching of iconic species such as African elephant and rhino have triggered high-profile interest in enforcement. Previous studies have used economic models to explore how the probability and severity of sanctions influence poacher-behaviour. Yet despite evidence that compliance can be substantial when the threat of state-imposed sanctions is low and profits high, few have explored other factors deterring rule-breaking. We use the randomised response technique (RRT) and direct questions to estimate the proportion of rural residents in north-western Taiwan illegally killing wildlife. We then model how potential sources of deterrence: perceived probabilities of detection and punishment, social norms and self-imposed guilt, relate to non-compliant behaviour (reported via RRT). The perceived likelihood of being punished and two types of social norms (injunctive and descriptive) predict behaviour and deter rule-breaking. Harnessing social norms that encourage compliance offers potential for reducing the persecution of threatened species.