[sidewndr46]

If the goal is to maximize ranching, I think you're right. But if the goal is to maximize the economic opportunities in Costa Rica it probably is not the best decision. When I hired a tour guide there he pointed out that Costa Rica could easily install dams to create vast fresh water reservoirs and generate some power as well. But because the country doesn't do this they have ecosystems people come to visit their from around the world. So by choosing not to maximize for one thing they retain another at little to no cost. After all, free flowing rivers don't cost much to maintain.

The tourism industry is important to them. So perhaps by finding a way to co-exist with big cats, it's a net positive to the ranchers because they probably don't want Costa Rica to be a nation with only 1 industry. If they can produce enough beef (or whatever animal they want to raise) to satisfy domestic and export desires then there probably is not much of a need to expand the industry at all costs.

[archgoon]

It is this argument, about what benefits the jaguars themselves bring to the farmers, that is unfortunately lacking from the article.

Thank you for the additional context.

[IncreasePosts]

Costa Rica already gets almost 100% of its power from renewables. I guess they could create massive dams and then sell the power to nearby countries.

[philwelch]

Also, the jaguars and pumas probably deter cattle rustlers.