Human-wildlife conflicts and the need to include tolerance and coexistence

For some, the discussion of conflict or coexistence may be a matter of semantics. In terms of working toward solutions, concentrating on mechanisms of coexistence is more positive than mitigating conflicts. As increasingly... [ view full abstract ]

For some, the discussion of conflict or coexistence may be a matter of semantics. In terms of working toward solutions, concentrating on mechanisms of coexistence is more positive than mitigating conflicts. As increasingly stressed in the literature, labels matter and can redirect attention from negative attitudes to mutuality beneficial relationships between humans and wildlife. However, shifting from conflict to coexistence may not be enough. There is a need to consider conflict and coexistence as they relate to each other. To foster the inclusion of tolerance and coexistence in human-wildlife research, we discuss a newly developed concept: the conflict-to-coexistence continuum. This continuum spans from negative to positive attitudes and/or behaviors which defines the different degrees of conflict, coexistence, and tolerance that characterize human-wildlife interactions. The continuum will help to compare and categorize the relative strength of negative to positive attitudes/behaviors and may help to clarify how a specific context influences human-wildlife interactions. This newly developed framework is the leitmotiv of the session and will set the stage for the other presentations within this session.