Carnivores are an important component of naturally functioning ecosystems. However, large home range requirements and other life history traits, especially predatory habits, enhance the likelihood of them coming into conflict with humans (hereafter, human-wildlife conflict [HWC]). HWCs involving carnivores are varied, including direct threats to human safety (e.g., attacks on humans by large carnivores), depredation of livestock, or... [ view more ]
Carnivores are an important component of naturally functioning ecosystems. However, large home range requirements and other life history traits, especially predatory habits, enhance the likelihood of them coming into conflict with humans (hereafter, human-wildlife conflict [HWC]). HWCs involving carnivores are varied, including direct threats to human safety (e.g., attacks on humans by large carnivores), depredation of livestock, or concerns that predation will deplete prey species important to recreational hunting and fishing, or subsistence. Historically, HWC involving carnivores has contributed to extensive persecution, sometimes resulting in large-scale extirpations of some species. For example, Europeans have been engaged in efforts to eradicate certain carnivores for centuries, successfully eliminating gray wolves (Canis lupus spp.) and brown (grizzly) bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) from most of the continent by the early 1800s, and similar examples of carnivore extirpations can be demonstrated worldwide. The gradual development of more informed attitudes towards predators (i.e., enhanced understanding of the importance of predation in ecosystem function) during the progression of the 20th century has contributed to increased tolerance and appreciation of carnivores, particularly in developed countries. In concurrence with increased tolerance, conservation strategies often have been developed and implemented to facilitate maintenance of extant carnivore populations or recovery of depleted or extirpated populations. A consequence of these conservation strategies often has contributed to an increased likelihood for interactions between carnivores and humans.
Factors influencing the degree of human intolerance or acceptance to interactions with carnivores are complex, including species-specific concerns or interests, socioeconomic status, cultural factors, and proximity to the carnivore population. Human dimensions assessments of carnivores often have focused on HWC, typically involving larger species. Also, although HWC involving carnivores are an important conservation concern, the economic, ecological, and cultural values of these species likewise deserve appropriate attention and scrutiny. Our proposed session will add detail and breadth to the discussion of human-carnivore interactions by: 1) including examples of large and small carnivores; 2) examining HWC as well as positive attributes of each species; 3) offering global, African-specific, and region/species-specific perspectives of human dimensions challenges associated with conserving carnivores. [ view less ]
