Matrix resistance and the acceptance of wildlife: corridor connectivity and human–tapir interactions

Abstract

In human-dominated landscapes, the effectiveness of ecological corridors in connecting wildlife populations depends not only on ecological but also on human factors, particularly on human–wildlife interactions and the acceptance of wildlife by landowners or managers. The Tenorio–Miravalles Biological Corridor in Costa Rica offers a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between local acceptance of the presence of the Endangered Baird’s tapir Tapirus bairdii and movement on private lands and the functionality of ecological corridor connectivity, as tapir sightings are common in the area. Using land-use analysis, we identified low-resistance, least-cost routes that highlight key habitat connectivity pathways. The corridor provides high structural connectivity for tapirs, with critical habitat fragments concentrated in the northern and southern sectors. In-depth interviews with 31 landowners and managers revealed varied levels of acceptance of the tapir’s presence, influenced by perceived costs and benefits, control, affective responses and trust in institutions. Although most respondents expressed positive emotions toward tapirs, their interactions and behaviours regarding tapir presence and movement on private land varied. These diverse responses underscore the range of human actions that can either impede or facilitate the movement of tapirs. Regardless of how well-connected habitats are structurally, ecological corridors in human-dominated landscapes ultimately depend on the management of human–wildlife interactions. A nuanced understanding of these dynamics is essential for developing connectivity and conservation strategies that align with the perspectives of landowners and managers, and promote sustainable coexistence between wildlife and people.