Locals' perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes regarding the conservation of the critically endangered Phataginus tricuspis; Reflections on OECM Sites in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract This study evaluates local communities' knowledge, attitude, and perception towards the critically endangered African Tree Pangolin and its conservation in the 15 identified Other Effect Area Based Conservation Measures (OECM) sites in Osun State, Nigeria. 360 participants aged 20 and older participated in the study, which found that 90.33% supported the presence of African Tree Pangolin. However, 61% affirmed that their population is reducing due to hunting and habitat loss from poor agriculture. 67% of interviewees believed that benefits from wildlife through tourism, insect regulation, bush meat, and medicine influenced their attitudes and perceptions towards conservation. 33% of the local population changed their attitude and perception towards conservation. African Tree Pangolin conservation was deemed a priority by those with higher levels of education, but the majority of respondents claimed that the idea was unsupported because of the high revenue generated by Pangolin sales. Increasing public awareness through media, handbills, billboards, seminars, and films could help mitigate poor attitudes towards African Tree Pangolin conservation.