In a developing country such as India, the extraction of forest biomass by village households is a key management concern. A microeconomic model of the decisions regarding levels and sources of extraction of forest biomass is developed. Biomass extraction behaviour in a sample of 227 households living in, and close to, Ranthambhore National Park, India, is empirically examined. An empirical measure of spatial aspects of extraction is investigated. Village location, ownership of biogas, and caste are found to be key explanatory variables of forest biomass extraction.
A bioeconomic model is used to study the effect of Prosopis juliflora, an exotic tree, on diverse agents in Ranthambhore National Park. Tigers prey on wild herbivores, cattle, and goats that compete with each other to feed on green biomass, i.e. leaves and grass. There are four agents: goat owner, cattle owner, wood gatherer, and park manager. It is shown that there is an inherent trade-off between the number of tigers and village livestock that are grazing. Prosopis juliflora makes management of this trade-off more difficult. The four agents have different interests in the park, and a different ranking of the four scenarios that are simulated.
We investigated perceptions of wildlife policy and issues through questionnaires (n ¼ 148) administered to policy makers, conservation scientists, individuals representing non-government organizations (NGOs), and field officials, who implemented government policies and enforced laws. We found significant differences among attitudes of stakeholders identifying major threats to wildlife, the use of science, the role of poaching in conservation, and the composition of species illegally traded. Policy makers and field officials differed in their views with NGOs and scientists on community response to wildlife policies and the varying threat perceptions to different species due to poaching and illegal trade. We noted ambiguity among stakeholders about sustainable use principles in India. Policies must be more effective in conservation and the process of making policy must be broad-based and participatory if wildlife conservation is to advance on the subcontinent. ß 2011 The Wildlife Society.
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