Using the social network analysis approach in the management of human-large carnivores conflict in Golestan National Park (Information network)

Human-wildlife conflicts, especially large carnivores, have become one of the main challenges of biodiversity conservation in different world regions. Multiple studies suggest that socioeconomic factors play essential roles in predicting and understanding these conflicts. However, there is very little knowledge available about the extent to which that how awareness raising and information concerning human-large carnivore conflicts are being shared among different stakeholders around the protected areas. In this study, we evaluated how information regarding human-large carnivores conflict situations is communicated between different stakeholders (e.g., local people, rangers) using a social network analysis approach in the villages around the Golestan National Park (GNP), Iran. Data were collected using structured questionnaire surveys with members of households (n= 292) from April to November 2022. We analyzed the data using UCINET6.528 and Netdraw software. One-dimensional and two-dimensional matrices were applied to draw the nodes of networks. To assess the network we used three measures of connectivity nodes i.e. the betweenness centrality, degree centrality, and multidimensional scaling. The results revealed that only 57% of local people were concerned about gaining information about conflicts with large carnivores, and 43% of the local communities have not taken any action to get information about conflicts with large carnivores. The results of the network graph analysis indicated a significant centrality of protected area rangers and families in the information network, at the same time the Village Islamic Council (showra) and village heads (Dehyar) do not have centrality in the information network. The results further showed a lack of connection between women and park rangers, village councils, and village heads. Our findings demonstrate the necessity of examining social networks, including information networks, in human-wildlife conflict management and utilizing the capabilities of this approach to advance management actions for reducing and managing human-large carnivore conflicts in protected areas.