Author
Dime Melovski
Bio: Dime Melovski is an academic researcher from University of Göttingen. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population & Balkan lynx. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 17 publications receiving 1461 citations.
Topics: Population, Balkan lynx, Eurasian lynx, Ecology, Ursus
Papers
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Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences1, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna2, KORA Organics3, University of Zagreb4, Spanish National Research Council5, The Nature Conservancy6, University of Porto7, University of Tirana8, University of Bern9, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague10, Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests11, Sapienza University of Rome12, Forest Research Institute13, Transilvania University of Brașov14, University of Ljubljana15, University of Sarajevo16, Friends of the Earth International17, Mendel University18, Environment Agency19, University of Göttingen20, University of Warsaw21, American Museum of Natural History22, Norwegian University of Life Sciences23, Hedmark University College24, Sofia University25
TL;DR: It is shown that roughly one-third of mainland Europe hosts at least one large carnivore species, with stable or increasing abundance in most cases in 21st-century records, and coexistence alongside humans has become possible, argue the authors.
Abstract: The conservation of large carnivores is a formidable challenge for biodiversity conservation. Using a data set on the past and current status of brown bears (Ursus arctos), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), gray wolves (Canis lupus), and wolverines (Gulo gulo) in European countries, we show that roughly one-third of mainland Europe hosts at least one large carnivore species, with stable or increasing abundance in most cases in 21st-century records. The reasons for this overall conservation success include protective legislation, supportive public opinion, and a variety of practices making coexistence between large carnivores and people possible. The European situation reveals that large carnivores and people can share the same landscape.
1,290 citations
01 Jan 2012
TL;DR: In this article, an expert based update of the conservation status of all populations identified by the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE), available in the document “Guidelines for Population Level Management Plans for Large carnivores” (Linnell et al. 2008) and/or in the various Species Online Information Systems (http://www.lcie.kora.ch/sp‐ois/ ; also see Appendix 1).
Abstract: Large carnivores (bears Ursus arctos, wolves Canis lupus, lynx Lynx lynx and wolverines Gulo gulo) are among the most challenging group of species to maintain as large and continuous populations or to reintegrate back into the European landscape. Political, socioeconomic and society changes challenge past management approaches in some of the large populations. At the same time local improvements in habitat quality, the return of their prey species, public support and favourable legislation allow for the recovery of some small populations. Several of Europe’s large carnivore populations are large and robust, others are expanding, some small populations remain critically endangered and a few are declining. [
] Large carnivores need very large areas and their conservation needs to be planned on very wide spatial scales that will often span many intra‐ and inter‐ national borders. Within these large scales conservation and management actions need to be coordinated. To facilitate coordination, a common understanding of the present day conservation status of large carnivores at national and population level is an important basis. [
] The aim of this summary report is to provide an expert based update of the conservation status of all populations identified by the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE), available in the document “Guidelines for Population Level Management Plans for Large Carnivores” (Linnell et al. 2008) and/or in the various Species Online Information Systems (http://www.kora.ch/sp‐ois/ ; also see Appendix 1). [
] However, methods used to monitor large carnivores vary and a direct comparison over time or among populations will never be possible at a continental scale. It is more realistic to have an insight into the general order of magnitude of the population, its trend and permanent range as the “currencies” for comparisons and assessments (see point 2). This summary also does not aim to replace the habitat directive reporting, but rather complement it. Discrepancies will likely occur due to different time periods covered and different agreements reached on common reporting criteria on a national level which has to deal with many more species. Furthermore, for several countries the most recent data or distribution map were not always available, yet. [
] Changes in monitoring methods likely result in changing population estimates, even in stable populations. Improved and more costly methods may suddenly discover that previous estimates were too high, or may detect more individuals than previously assumed. Examples of both occur. Being aware of the change in methodology the expert assessment may still be “stable” for the population even if numbers listed in tables have changed. On the other hand, large scale “official” (government) estimates may be based on questionable or non‐transparent extrapolations that run contrary to data from reference areas within the country or similar regions from other countries. If the discrepancy is apparent, expert assessment needs to question official numbers. [
] This summary does not aim at reviewing monitoring techniques. Examples of parameters and principles for monitoring large carnivores and some “good practice” examples have been previously compiled by the LCIE (http://www.lcie.org/Docs/LCIE%20IUCN/LCIE_PSS_m onitoring.pdf). Furthermore, references at the end of many country reports do provide ample examples of well documented and state of the art monitoring of large carnivores in Europe under a wide variety of different contexts.
183 citations
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Spanish National Research Council1, Polish Academy of Sciences2, Düzce University3, Russian Academy of Sciences4, United States Environmental Protection Agency5, Sapienza University of Rome6, Lviv University7, University of Lisbon8, University of Zagreb9, University of Tehran10, University of Ljubljana11, University of Helsinki12, Environment Agency13, University of Göttingen14, Pedagogical University15, Jiroft University16, Generalitat of Catalonia17, Norwegian Environment Agency18, Far Eastern Federal University19, Sukachev Institute of Forest20, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus21, Norwegian University of Life Sciences22, Peninsular Malaysia23, Hedmark University College24
TL;DR: Brown bear attacks on humans between 2000 and 2015 across most of the range inhabited by the species were investigated, and attacks have increased significantly over time and were more frequent at high bear and low human population densities.
Abstract: The increasing trend of large carnivore attacks on humans not only raises human safety concerns but may also undermine large carnivore conservation efforts. Although rare, attacks by brown bears Ursus arctos are also on the rise and, although several studies have addressed this issue at local scales, information is lacking on a worldwide scale. Here, we investigated brown bear attacks (n = 664) on humans between 2000 and 2015 across most of the range inhabited by the species: North America (n = 183), Europe (n = 291), and East (n = 190). When the attacks occurred, half of the people were engaged in leisure activities and the main scenario was an encounter with a female with cubs. Attacks have increased significantly over time and were more frequent at high bear and low human population densities. There was no significant difference in the number of attacks between continents or between countries with different hunting practices. Understanding global patterns of bear attacks can help reduce dangerous encounters and, consequently, is crucial for informing wildlife managers and the public about appropriate measures to reduce this kind of conflicts in bear country.
150 citations
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University of Göttingen1, Bangor University2, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University3, University of Savoy4, Bavarian Forest National Park5, University of Freiburg6, University of Oslo7, Leibniz Association8, University of Toulouse9, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna10, University of Southern Queensland11, Centre national de la recherche scientifique12, University of Zurich13, Landcare Research14, University of Córdoba (Spain)15, University of Potsdam16, Norwegian University of Life Sciences17, Forest Research Institute18, Wildlife Conservation Society19, University of Ljubljana20, Max Planck Society21, Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory22, Panthera Corporation23, University of Florence24, Vanderbilt University25, Sao Paulo State University26, Texas A&M University27, University of Oxford28, École Normale Supérieure29, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna30, Claude Bernard University Lyon 131, University of Cape Town32, German Primate Center33, Nottingham Trent University34, University of Wollongong35, Indian Institute of Science36, Wellcome Trust37, University of KwaZulu-Natal38, Trent University39, State University of New York at Purchase40, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina41, Engineer Research and Development Center42, University of Mpumalanga43, Rhodes University44, California Polytechnic State University45, National University of Jujuy46, Humboldt State University47, University of British Columbia48, Virginia Tech49, Research Institute for Nature and Forest50, Universidade Federal de Goiás51, University of Venda52, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland53, University of the French West Indies and Guiana54, ANSES55, Polish Academy of Sciences56, Aarhus University57, Düzce University58, Queens College59, National University of Colombia60, University of California, Berkeley61, University of North Florida62, University of Washington63
TL;DR: This study shows that the performance of satellite telemetry applications has shown improvements over time, and based on the findings, it provides further recommendations for both users and manufacturers.
Abstract: Satellite telemetry is an increasingly utilized technology in wildlife research, and current devices can track individual animal movements at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. However, as we enter the golden age of satellite telemetry, we need an in-depth understanding of the main technological, species-specific and environmental factors that determine the success and failure of satellite tracking devices across species and habitats. Here, we assess the relative influence of such factors on the ability of satellite telemetry units to provide the expected amount and quality of data by analyzing data from over 3,000 devices deployed on 62 terrestrial species in 167 projects worldwide. We evaluate the success rate in obtaining GPS fixes as well as in transferring these fixes to the user and we evaluate failure rates. Average fix success and data transfer rates were high and were generally better predicted by species and unit characteristics, while environmental characteristics influenced the variability of performance. However, 48% of the unit deployments ended prematurely, half of them due to technical failure. Nonetheless, this study shows that the performance of satellite telemetry applications has shown improvements over time, and based on our findings, we provide further recommendations for both users and manufacturers.
54 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors adopt methods and conceptual frameworks from anthropology to explore the local knowledge and perceptions of lynx among rural hunters and livestock breeders in the western mountains of the Republic of Macedonia in south-east Europe.
Abstract: The remnant population of Balkan lynx Lynx lynx martinoi is small, isolated and highly threatened. Since 2006 a conservation project has surveyed its status and promoted its recovery in Albania and Macedonia. Eurasian lynx are often associated with conflicts of an economic or social nature, and their conservation requires a focus on the people sharing the landscape with the species. In this study we adopt methods and conceptual frameworks from anthropology to explore the local knowledge and perceptions of lynx among rural hunters and livestock breeders in the western mountains of the Republic of Macedonia in south-east Europe. The main finding was that local people rarely saw or interacted with lynx. As the level of interactions with this species is very low, the lynx doesn’t appear to be a species associated with conflicts in Macedonia. There was also a general lack of both scientific and local knowledge, which has led to somewhat negative attitudes, mainly based on myths and rumours. Poaching of lynx and their prey seem to be the main barriers to lynx conservation.
32 citations
Cited by
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Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences1, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna2, KORA Organics3, University of Zagreb4, Spanish National Research Council5, The Nature Conservancy6, University of Porto7, University of Tirana8, University of Bern9, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague10, Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests11, Sapienza University of Rome12, Transilvania University of Brașov13, Forest Research Institute14, University of Ljubljana15, University of Sarajevo16, Friends of the Earth International17, Mendel University18, Environment Agency19, University of Göttingen20, University of Warsaw21, American Museum of Natural History22, Norwegian University of Life Sciences23, Hedmark University College24, Sofia University25
TL;DR: It is shown that roughly one-third of mainland Europe hosts at least one large carnivore species, with stable or increasing abundance in most cases in 21st-century records, and coexistence alongside humans has become possible, argue the authors.
Abstract: The conservation of large carnivores is a formidable challenge for biodiversity conservation. Using a data set on the past and current status of brown bears (Ursus arctos), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), gray wolves (Canis lupus), and wolverines (Gulo gulo) in European countries, we show that roughly one-third of mainland Europe hosts at least one large carnivore species, with stable or increasing abundance in most cases in 21st-century records. The reasons for this overall conservation success include protective legislation, supportive public opinion, and a variety of practices making coexistence between large carnivores and people possible. The European situation reveals that large carnivores and people can share the same landscape.
1,290 citations
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TL;DR: Biodiversity-based techniques can be used to manage most human-modified lands as “working landscapes” and ensure that the production of food, fiber, fuel, and timber can be sustained over the long run and be more resilient to extreme events.
Abstract: How can we manage farmlands, forests, and rangelands to respond to the triple challenge of the Anthropocene-biodiversity loss, climate change, and unsustainable land use? When managed by using biodiversity-based techniques such as agroforestry, silvopasture, diversified farming, and ecosystem-based forest management, these socioeconomic systems can help maintain biodiversity and provide habitat connectivity, thereby complementing protected areas and providing greater resilience to climate change. Simultaneously, the use of these management techniques can improve yields and profitability more sustainably, enhancing livelihoods and food security. This approach to "working lands conservation" can create landscapes that work for nature and people. However, many socioeconomic challenges impede the uptake of biodiversity-based land management practices. Although improving voluntary incentives, market instruments, environmental regulations, and governance is essential to support working lands conservation, it is community action, social movements, and broad coalitions among citizens, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies that have the power to transform how we manage land and protect the environment.
575 citations
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TL;DR: Many examples of conservation success show that losses can be halted and even reversed, and building on these lessons to turn the tide of biodiversity loss will require bold and innovative action to transform historical relationships between human populations and nature.
Abstract: Biodiversity is essential to human well-being, but people have been reducing biodiversity throughout human history. Loss of species and degradation of ecosystems are likely to further accelerate in the coming years. Our understanding of this crisis is now clear, and world leaders have pledged to avert it. Nonetheless, global goals to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss have mostly not been achieved. However, many examples of conservation success show that losses can be halted and even reversed. Building on these lessons to turn the tide of biodiversity loss will require bold and innovative action to transform historical relationships between human populations and nature.
528 citations
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Animal and Plant Health Agency1, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences2, University of Belgrade3, University of Zagreb4, Mendel University5, Forest Research Institute6, Polish Academy of Sciences7, University of Aveiro8, Russian Academy of Sciences9, University of Barcelona10, University of West Hungary11
TL;DR: It is concluded that recreational hunting is insufficient to limit wild boar population growth and that the relative impact of hunting onWild boar mortality had decreased, and more human-wild boar conflicts are expected unless this trend is reversed.
Abstract: Across Europe, wild boar numbers increased in the 1960s-1970s but stabilised in the 1980s; recent evidence suggests that the numbers and impact of wild boar has grown steadily since the 1980s. As hunting is the main cause of mortality for this species, we reviewed wild boar hunting bags and hunter population trends in 18 European countries from 1982 to 2012. Hunting statistics and numbers of hunters were used as indicators of animal numbers and hunting pressure. The results confirmed that wild boar increased consistently throughout Europe, while the number of hunters remained relatively stable or declined in most countries. We conclude that recreational hunting is insufficient to limit wild boar population growth and that the relative impact of hunting on wild boar mortality had decreased. Other factors, such as mild winters, reforestation, intensification of crop production, supplementary feeding and compensatory population responses of wild boar to hunting pressure might also explain population growth. As populations continue to grow, more human-wild boar conflicts are expected unless this trend is reversed. New interdisciplinary approaches are urgently required to mitigate human-wild boar conflicts, which are otherwise destined to grow further.
491 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarize and synthesize factors that contribute to conflict, approaches that mitigate conflict and encourage coexistence, and emerging trends and debates in the field of conservation and coexistence.
Abstract: Human interactions with wildlife are a defining experience of human existence. These interactions can be positive or negative. People compete with wildlife for food and resources, and have eradicated dangerous species; co-opted and domesticated valuable species; and applied a wide range of social, behavioral, and technical approaches to reduce negative interactions with wildlife. This conflict has led to the extinction and reduction of numerous species and uncountable human deaths and economic losses. Recent advances in our understanding of conflict have led to a growing number of positive conservation and coexistence outcomes. I summarize and synthesize factors that contribute to conflict, approaches that mitigate conflict and encourage coexistence, and emerging trends and debates. Fertile areas for scholarship include scale and complexity, models and scenarios, understanding generalizable patterns, expanding boundaries of what is considered conflict, using new tools and technologies, information sharing...
439 citations