Human-carnivore coexistence in cultural landscapes
Abstract
Cultural landscapes are hotspots of human-carnivore interactions and conflicts, since humans live closely connected to habitats in which carnivores are abundant. Human-carnivore conflicts can result in severe impacts on both... [ view full abstract ]
Cultural landscapes are hotspots of human-carnivore interactions and conflicts, since humans live closely connected to habitats in which carnivores are abundant. Human-carnivore conflicts can result in severe impacts on both biodiversity and human well-being. Facilitating human-carnivore coexistence is therefore a major conservation concern worldwide. To design effective tools that facilitate coexistence, we need to not only understand the biophysical environment but also the complexity of social factors that shape coexistence. To this end, useful insights can be gained by studying the dynamics of human-carnivore interactions in landscapes where carnivores and humans have co-occurred for a long time. We combined data from our ecological and social studies to understand bear distribution, trophic cascades, and coexistence of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) with humans in Transylvania, Romania. Combining data on species’ occurrence from 3042 camera days at 138 locations and hunting records, we found that while carnivores still suppressed lower trophic levels in cultural landscapes, direct and indirect top-down effects of humans affected ecosystems more strongly. Using questionnaires with 445 local people and connectivity analysis based on 554 km of sign surveys, we demonstrated that coexistence between people and bears was relatively peaceful in the region. Coexistence was supported by the availability of large and well-connected forest patches, traditional livestock management with shepherds and guarding dogs, and high tolerance levels of shepherds to occasional conflict. Finally, we conducted 71 semi-structured interviews with local people and used qualitative content and discourse analysis to construct three socially mediated pathways to human coexistence with bears. These represented different ways in which perceived interactions between people, bears, the environment and bear management can shape coexistence. We showed that the genuine connection between local people and the natural system, including knowledge and acceptance of both benefits and disadvantages, is a likely key factor facilitating coexistence. Major challenges for places to facilitate coexistence are: 1) understanding the implications of simultaneous effects of humans and carnivores on multiple trophic levels; and 2) to reinstate both practices and attitudes that facilitate coexistence.
Authors
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Ine Dorresteijn
(Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University)
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Jan Hanspach
(Leuphana University)
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Joern Fischer
(Leuphana University)
Topic Areas
Topics: Social-ecological systems as a framework for conservation management , Topics: Management of Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Large Carnivores in Europe
Session
T-E4 » Views of Wildlife, Landowners and Public (09:30 - Tuesday, 18th September, Marmorsaal)
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