Showing papers in "Human Dimensions of Wildlife in 2004"
TL;DR: The IUCN World Parks Congress (WPC) brings together conservation experts from around the world to share information and ideas, and set a global policy agenda for protected areas.
Abstract: Every 10 years, the IUCN World Parks Congress (WPC) brings together conservation experts from around the world to share information and ideas, and set a global policy agenda for protected areas. Th...
517 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a micro-macro level model integrating the cognitive hierarchy theory of human behavior and materialist theory of culture is proposed for exploring the social and cultural aspects of human-wildlife conflict in a global context.
Abstract: This article develops an approach for exploring the social and cultural aspects of human–wildlife conflict in a global context. The proposed micro-macro level model integrates the cognitive hierarchy theory of human behavior and materialist theory of culture. This model guides research of human behavior in these situations and yields information that can aid conflict prevention and mitigation on the local level and offer suggestions for effective coordinated global, national, or regional efforts. Past applications of the micro (individual level) component and preliminary research and potential areas of future exploration for the macro (cultural level) component are discussed. Cross-cultural research will be highly useful in advancing an understanding of human–wildlife conflict.
235 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the importance of exploring farmers' perspectives of human-wildlife conflicts because people's perceptions and expectations shape their attitudes and responses to crop raiding by wildlife is discussed.
Abstract: This article outlines the importance of exploring farmers’ perspectives of human–wildlife conflicts because people’s perceptions and expectations shape their attitudes and responses to crop raiding by wildlife. A series of factors that influence farmers’ perceptions of risk are examined to help explain why perceived risk of crop loss to wildlife is often significantly greater than any actual risk. This is explored in the context of (1) changing tolerance for wildlife activity on farms, (2) the implications of past conservation policy and practice for farmers’ understanding of “ownership” of wildlife, and (3) how such issues influence farmers’ expectations of who is responsible for protecting crops from wildlife.
177 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined the extent to which chronic wasting disease (CWD) influenced 2001 Wisconsin deer hunters who did not participate in the 2002 season and compared 2002 hunters against those who dropped out in 2002 relative to their perceptions of risks associated with CWD and their trust in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Abstract: License sales for the 2002 Wisconsin gun deer hunting season declined approximately 11% following the discovery of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the state. This article examines the extent to which CWD influenced 2001 Wisconsin deer hunters who did not participate in the 2002 season. The article also compares 2002 hunters against those who dropped out in 2002 relative to their perceptions of risks associated with CWD and their trust in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Data were obtained from a survey of 2001 resident Wisconsin deer hunters (n=1,373, response rate=67%). A cluster analysis of 14 possible reasons for not hunting indicated that about half (estimate=52%±5%) of the 2001 Wisconsin hunters that did not participate in the 2002 season did not hunt because of CWD. The remaining non-hunters dropped out of gun deer hunting for a variety of reasons unrelated to CWD (e.g., not enough time, conflicting responsibilities). Individuals who dropped out for non-CWD reasons gave respons...
110 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a community-based conservation initiative is described to address the problem of depredation by the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in Hemis National Park, India.
Abstract: Livestock depredation by the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is an increasingly contentious issue in Himalayan villages, especially in or near protected areas. Mass attacks in which as many as 100 sheep and goats are killed in a single incident inevitably result in retaliation by local villagers. This article describes a community-based conservation initiative to address this problem in Hemis National Park, India. Human–wildlife conflict is alleviated by predator-proofing villagers’ nighttime livestock pens and by enhancing household incomes in environmentally sensitive and culturally compatible ways. The authors have found that the highly participatory strategy described here (Appreciative Participatory Planning and Action—APPA) leads to a sense of project ownership by local stakeholders, communal empowerment, self-reliance, and willingness to co-exist with snow leopards. The most significant conservation outcome of this process is the protection from retaliatory poaching of up to five snow leop...
102 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present several case studies to illustrate the diverse nature of human-elephant conflicts and show that between 1980 and 2003, more than 1,150 humans and 370 elephants have died as a result of these conflicts.
Abstract: Human population increases and development in Northeast India have reduced and fragmented wildlife habitat, which has resulted in human–wildlife conflicts. Although species such as tigers (Panthera tigris) and rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) cause conflict, elephants (Elephas maximus) have become the focal point for conflict and conservation issues. This article presents several case studies to illustrate the diverse nature of human–elephant conflicts. Between 1980 and 2003, more than 1,150 humans and 370 elephants have died as a result of these conflicts. Although the public and government have taken steps, human population growth must be addressed before any permanent solutions to this conflict can be reached.
92 citations
TL;DR: Findings from an initial phase of a multi-stage, multi-state effort to address knowledge gaps in chronic wasting disease showed that as prevalence and human health risks increased, acceptance of testing and lethal management increased and acceptability of allowing CWD to take its natural course decreased.
Abstract: The impacts of chronic wasting disease (CWD) on hunters’ behavior and beliefs about acceptable management actions are not clearly understood. This article presents findings from an initial phase of a multi-stage, multi-state effort to address these knowledge gaps. Data were obtained from mail surveys (n = 659) of resident and nonresident deer hunters in eight states and elk hunters in three states. Hunters were presented with hypothetical situations of increasing: (1) CWD prevalence (all eight states), and (2) human health risks (two states). Logistic regression equations estimated that at current prevalence levels in some states, 3% (residents) to 5% (nonresidents) of hunters would stop hunting deer/elk in their state. If 50% of the deer or elk across the state were infected, approximately 42% (residents) and 54% (nonresidents) would stop hunting deer/elk in their state. In hypothetical situations where a hunter died from CWD at this prevalence level, the percentage was 68%. Potential for conflict indice...
92 citations
TL;DR: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources treated the discovery of CWD in the Wisconsin deer herd in February 2002 as if it was a fire as mentioned in this paper, which led to abandoning stakeholder concerns while human dimensions expertise and research was largely ignored and opportunities to learn from innovations were missed.
Abstract: The discovery of CWD in the Wisconsin deer herd in February 2002 was treated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as if it was a fire. Rapid action led to abandoning stakeholder concerns while human dimensions expertise and research was largely ignored and opportunities to learn from innovations were missed. After two years, neither the biological nor the social goals of the program have been achieved. Hunters killed fewer rather than more deer, deer densities in the eradication zone remained high, and efforts to end recreational feeding failed. Deer hunting license sales dropped by over 90,000. Revenues to the agency declined and other programs suffered as money was reallocated to fight CWD. Hunters were hardest hit, losing about 60 million in recreational benefits or a 20% decline in the annual surplus value of deer hunting in the state. This article examines the Wisconsin response to CWD to help better understand why the human and biological goals were not met.
90 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, on-site surveys (n=633) and observational data were obtained at boat and land-based whale viewing platforms in the San Juan Islands, USA during the summer of 2000.
Abstract: Visitor perceptions of the impacts of cetacean-based tourism from land-based and boat-based platforms are not well understood. Data from on-site surveys (n=633) and observational data were obtained at boat and land-based whale viewing platforms in the San Juan Islands, USA during the summer of 2000. Whale watchers at both platforms expressed concerns regarding adverse impacts on whales due to whale watching activities. Land-based whale watchers, however, were significantly more concerned about the presence of boats disturbing not only the whales, but also their own experiences. In particular, the noise and maneuvering of whale-watching boats were identified as issues of concern. The findings suggest that site-specific strategies for managing whale watching are necessary. Possible strategies include limiting the number of boats and the frequency and duration of boat interactions with whales. Furthermore, platform-specific visitor education programs may be useful for helping to address viewers’ concerns.
79 citations
TL;DR: The major economic impacts of CWD have been on hunters rather than other sectors of the Wisconsin economy as mentioned in this paper, and by using available data and plausible assumptions, hunter losses likely amounted to between $53 million and $79 million in 2002 and $45 million to $72 million in 2003.
Abstract: The major economic impacts of CWD have been on hunters rather than other sectors of the Wisconsin economy. This article shows that by using available data and plausible assumptions, hunter losses likely amounted to between $53 million and $79 million in 2002 and $45 million to $72 million in 2003. CWD has also likely caused deer hunters to spend less on their sport than they have in the past, but the net impact of reduced hunter spending on the Wisconsin economy as a whole probably did not total more than $5 million per year in 2002 and 2003. Losses in some rural areas, however, may have been substantial, but data are not available to estimate these losses. The State of Wisconsin absorbed costs of about $14.7 million in fiscal year 2002–2003. Data are not currently available to quantify losses to deer and elk farmers, feed dealers, and deer viewers.
72 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the extent to which anglers were willing to make substitution decisions when constrained, and identify explanatory variables for substitution decisions, was found to be negatively related to age, positively related to years of education, and was greater for males than females.
Abstract: The authors wanted to know the extent to which anglers were willing to make substitution decisions when constrained, and identify explanatory variables for substitution decisions. Anglers were asked if there were other outdoor recreation activities that would provide them with the same satisfaction and enjoyment they received from fishing. About 51% said yes. The most frequently identified substitutes were hunting and golf for males and camping and swimming for females. Logistic regression was used to determine the effects of hypothesized demographic and fishing participation variables on the binary yes/no response variable. Willingness to substitute was negatively related to age, positively related to years of education, and was greater for males than females. Willingness to substitute was negatively related to the importance placed on fishing and the importance placed on challenge-oriented experiences, and positively related to overall satisfaction with the activity. Odds ratio multipliers revealed that...
TL;DR: Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is widespread in Africa and occurs across all biogeographical regions of the species range as discussed by the authors, and the associated social costs are intangible, difficult to quantify, and highly significant.
Abstract: Human–elephant conflict (HEC) is widespread in Africa and occurs across all biogeographical regions of the species range. HEC involves not only agricultural losses, but also a complex social dimension in the most affected sector, subsistence farming. Agricultural losses involve damage to food crops, cash crops, and even food in storage, with absorption of any loss at the individual household level. The associated social costs are intangible, difficult to quantify, and highly significant. Elephants are a convenient medium for widespread and persistent complaint from rural communities against wildlife conservation initiatives. HEC displays complex spatial dynamics across landscapes. Nearly a decade of investigation coordinated by the IUCN AfESG has revealed several key principles for HEC mitigation. The approach to dealing with this problem needs to be applied at a variety of management scales and is as much an art as a science.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored some of the motivations and rationalizations associated with illegal hunting and fishing in Kentucky using qualitative data from mail surveys as well as in-depth interviews with 24 conservation officers and 33 wildlife law violators.
Abstract: The illegal taking of wildlife resources has generated concern among natural resource scholars in recent years. This article explores some of the motivations and rationalizations associated with illegal hunting and fishing in Kentucky. Using qualitative data from mail surveys as well as in-depth interviews with 24 conservation officers and 33 wildlife law violators, several motivations and rationalizations for unlawful hunting and fishing were identified. Empirical verification of some of the 10 motivational categories of poaching identified by Muth and Bowe (1998) is provided, and the use of other rationalizations as a mechanism for engaging in these activities is examined. Motivations and rationalizations were categorized as ignorance/ forgetfulness/carelessness, recreational satisfactions, trophy poaching, poaching as a traditional right of use, and money profit. Responses by conservation officers indicated that individuals no longer hunt or fish illegally for household consumption because of the varie...
TL;DR: In the past century, the world's cheetah population has undergone severe reduction in both numbers and range due to factors such as habitat fragmentation resulting from human development and habitat loss.
Abstract: Over the past century, the world’s cheetah population has undergone severe reduction in both numbers and range. This is due to factors such as habitat fragmentation resulting from human development...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the impact of dramatic regulatory changes on hunters' beliefs, satisfaction, and behavior using a panel study design, finding that hunters' belief about the consequences of the regulations and their level of support for the regulations explained a relatively large and significant proportion of the change in satisfaction levels.
Abstract: Beginning in 1992, regulatory changes in Colorado shortened rifle hunting for buck deer to the first three days of the combined deer and elk rifle seasons. These changes represented a severe reduction in season length (40%–75%) and provided an opportunity to examine the impact of dramatic regulatory changes on hunters’ beliefs, satisfaction, and behavior using a panel study design. Data were collected before and after the regulatory changes, from a panel of 1,018 rifle buck deer hunters (521 residents and 497 nonresidents). Satisfaction with the rifle buck deer hunting experience declined significantly for both resident and nonresident hunters after the new regulations were implemented. Hunters’ beliefs about the consequences of the regulations and their level of support for the regulations explained a relatively large and significant proportion of the change in satisfaction levels. Beliefs about the consequences of and level of support for the regulations were significant predictors of the perceived leve...
TL;DR: In South Dakota, chronic wasting disease (CWD) was first discovered during the winter of 1997-1998 in seven privately owned captive elk herds as discussed by the authors, which prompted the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Natural Resources (SDFR) to conduct an investigation.
Abstract: In South Dakota, chronic wasting disease (CWD) was first discovered during the winter of 1997–1998 in seven privately owned captive elk herds. This prompted the South Dakota Department of Game, Fis...
TL;DR: The discovery of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Illinois at the beginning of November 2002 preceded the firearm deer hunting season by two weeks as mentioned in this paper, and the single case was found in Boone County near Chicago.
Abstract: The discovery of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Illinois at the beginning of November 2002 preceded the firearm deer hunting season by two weeks. The single case was found in Boone County near th...
TL;DR: In this paper, the economic impacts of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the US were investigated and the economic implications of this disease are diverse, complicate, and uncertain, and little direct information on the current and potential economic impacts is available.
Abstract: Little direct information on the current and potential economic impacts of chronic wasting disease (CWD) is available. In Colorado, the economic implications of this disease are diverse, complicate...
TL;DR: The reduction of the remaining populations of Jaguar (Panthera onca) and Puma (Puma concolo) was a primary factor in the reduction of domestic livestock by eliminating predators as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Ranchers often respond to depredation of domestic livestock by eliminating predators, a primary factor in the reduction of the remaining populations of Jaguar (Panthera onca) and Puma (Puma concolo...
TL;DR: In this paper, a vision for land use management that takes into account the protection of biodiversity and seasonal migration for livestock and wildlife is presented. But the authors do not consider the impact of livestock transhumance in terms of population dynamic and behavior, especially of large mammals.
Abstract: Most protected areas in Western Africa are challenged by seasonal mobile livestock, either on short or long distance, through forage competition, water resources, illegal killing, and disease transmission. Impacts of livestock transhumance have been very dramatic in terms of population dynamic and behavior, especially of large mammals. To understand the roots of the growing conflicts between park managers, pastoralists, and farmers, various studies were carried out with a main focus on Regional Park W (Niger, Burkina, Benin). This article summarizes these stakeholders’ points of view and describes some possible solutions for addressing human–wildlife conflict in this park. Solutions include a vision for land use management that takes into account the protection of biodiversity and seasonal migration for livestock and wildlife. Also explored are mechanisms of negotiation at the local and regional levels including the need for involving pastoral representatives.
TL;DR: In this article, snake controllers and first contact organizations that receive calls from those wishing to have a snake removed were surveyed via phone interview or mail questionnaire to obtain insights into the management of snakes around Melbourne and in regional Victoria.
Abstract: The occurrence of snakes on private properties concerns many residents. Translocation of snakes by licensed wildlife controllers from private properties to public land is a common management practice in Victoria, Australia. Licensed snake controllers and first contact organizations (mainly local governments) that receive calls from those wishing to have a snake removed were surveyed via phone interview or mail questionnaire to obtain insights into the management of snakes around Melbourne and in regional Victoria. Frequently, these organizations receive snake-related calls from the public, and then connect these people to snake controllers who attempt to capture and relocate the snakes. A large number of snakes are translocated each year. Controllers chose release sites based on permit stipulations, and a suite of subjectively applied criteria such as perceived suitability of habitat and distance (both near and far) from capture site/location of residents. Most controllers used multiple release sites, alt...
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey described alternative National Elk Refuge (NER) management actions and the effects on elk and bison populations at the NER and adjacent Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) Park visitors were asked if they would change their number of visits with each potential management action.
Abstract: This article links intended National Park visitation estimates to regional economic models to calculate the employment impacts of alternative bison and elk management strategies The survey described alternative National Elk Refuge (NER) management actions and the effects on elk and bison populations at the NER and adjacent Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) Park visitors were then asked if they would change their number of visits with each potential management action Results indicate there would be a 10% decrease in visitation if bison populations were reduced from 600 to 400 animals and elk populations were reduced in GTNP and the NER The related decrease in jobs in Teton counties of Wyoming and Idaho is estimated at 55% Adopting a “no active management” option of never feeding elk and bison on the NER yields about one-third the current bison population (200 bison) and about half the elk population Visitors surveyed about this management option would take about 20% fewer trips, resulting in an 113%
TL;DR: In this article, the social psychological impacts of a selective harvest system (SHS) for bull moose in southcentral Alaska on resident moose hunters were examined and found that a majority of hunters supported the SHS and had positive evaluations of its effects for both moose and moose shooters.
Abstract: Selective harvest systems (SHS) have been developed by several state and provincial wildlife management agencies to prevent the over harvest of bull moose (Alces alces) Although these regulations potentially achieve biological objectives for the targeted moose population, wildlife managers and decision makers recognize that such hunting regulations can also affect hunter attitudes and behaviors The social psychological impacts of a SHS for bull moose in south-central Alaska on resident moose hunters were examined Results indicated a majority of hunters supported the SHS and had positive evaluations of its effects for both moose and moose hunters In addition, beliefs about the outcomes of the SHS and attitudes toward the SHS were strong predictors of whether or not hunters were satisfied with their most recent moose hunt A minority of hunters believed that the SHS would lead to negative outcomes and were responsible for lowering hunting satisfaction Information on specific beliefs that lead to negati
TL;DR: In this paper, responses to dichotomous choice contingent valuation (DC-CV) questions are used to estimate the value a member attaches to a hunting club membership, and the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for a hunting membership is estimated to be over $1,290, which corresponds to a total value of about $1.9 million for the 1,500 hunters in the concerned clubs.
Abstract: When the state of New York purchased the Champion Lands in the Adirondack Park and subsequently terminated the leases of 48 hunting clubs on these lands, opponents of the purchase argued that: (1) a rich and unique culture was being destroyed; and (2) that the State failed to include the loss of this social capital in an economic impact analysis as specified by the State Environmental Quality and Review Act. In this study, responses to dichotomous choice contingent valuation (DC-CV) questions are used to estimate the value a member attaches to a hunting club membership. The willingness-to- pay (WTP) for a hunting club membership (beyond other hunting-related expenses) is estimated to be over $1,290, which corresponds to a total value of about $1.9 million for the 1,500 hunters in the 48 concerned clubs. These estimates should be included in a full benefit-cost analysis of the purchase, and provide useful input to the societal debate regarding future land purchases by states.
TL;DR: This paper conducted a knowledge-based survey of adult visitors at Mote Aquarium (Sarasota, Florida) over several months to test objective learning and found that the fraction of right answers was significantly greater in the test group (F(1,245)=25.13,p<0.0001), indicating short-term learning and retention.
Abstract: The authors conducted a knowledge-based survey of adult visitors at Mote Aquarium (Sarasota, Florida) over several months to test objective learning. Ten fixed-response questions predicated on information in graphics located near some of the exhibits were asked of 123 visitors at the aquarium entrance (control group); another 124 visitors were queried at the exit after having passed through the aquarium (test group). The fraction of right answers was significantly greater in the test group (F(1,245)=25.13,p<0.0001), indicating short-term learning and retention. Confidence interval analysis yielded root-mean-square standardized effect (RMSSE) values of 0.27 (lower limit) and 0.63 (upper limit). Comparison of these numbers with the total standard deviation (±0.17) indicates only a moderate experimental effect, weakened in particular by the upper limit, and highlights a need to tighten the survey questions until variation in the fraction answered correctly becomes distributed more evenly.
TL;DR: In this article, an identical survey concerning one of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's hunting programs was posted on the Division's web page and distributed as a postpaid mail questionnaire at hunter access points.
Abstract: To evaluate alternate methods of collecting stakeholder information an identical survey concerning one of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's hunting programs was posted on the Division's web page and distributed as a postpaid mail questionnaire at hunter access points. Internet/web page survey respondents, when compared to the postpaid access point intercept respondents, provided significantly different responses to 66% (χ2α .10) of the questions. The percentages of significantly different responses for attribute, attitude, belief, and behavioral questions, when comparing the two different survey methodologies, were 75%, 54%, 80%, and 67%, respectively (χ2α10). However, measures of effect size for most of the significantly different questions were relatively small and may indicate little practical significance of these differences. The Internet/web page–based survey had various advantages over the postpaid access point intercept survey, which may mitigate certain drawbacks with this survey met...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied the perceptions of visitors and other stakeholders regarding bear viewing at alpine ski areas in the summer of 2003. But they did not address the knowledge gaps of other stakeholders' opinions of bear viewing.
Abstract: In North America, there are several popular locations for viewing bears in their natural habitat (e.g., McNeil and Brooks Rivers, Alaska; Knight Inlet, British Columbia; Churchill, Manitoba). As bear viewing has increased in popularity, efforts to understand the experiences and perceptions of bear viewers have received more attention (e.g., Clayton & Mendelsohn, 1993; Lemelin, McCarville, & Smale, 2002; Matt & Aumiller, 2002; Whittaker, 1997). There is little empirical research, however, on: (1) other stakeholders’ (e.g., environmental interest groups, tour companies, government agencies) opinions of bear viewing, and (2) visitors’ and other stakeholders’ perceptions of bear viewing at alpine ski areas in the summer. This study addresses these knowledge gaps.
TL;DR: Gigliotti et al. as discussed by the authors evaluated the image of North Dakota's Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) from the perspective of: (1) North Dakota residents, (2) NDGFD employees, and (3) the employees' predictions of the public's responses.
Abstract: This study evaluated the image of North Dakota’s Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) from the perspective of: (1) North Dakota residents, (2) NDGFD employees, and (3) the NDGFD employees’ predictions of the public’s responses. Reactions of the general public were obtained from a pilot study (Wildlife Values in the West) involving six states (Teel, Bright, & Manfredo, 2003). The larger survey included questions of regional interest as well as state-specific items. North Dakota’s state-specific questions focused on five customer-oriented items: (1) What do our customers think of us? (2) What is important to our customers? (3) What do our customers want? (4) What are our customers’ attitudes towards access issues? and (5) Who are our customers? (Gigliotti, 2003). Results in the report differentiate anglers and hunters in the public survey. Employee responses were obtained from a census of the NDGFD using the same questions as the public survey (Gigliotti & Harmoning, 2003). NDGFD employees were first asked to answer each question from their own personal perspective, and then evaluate how they thought the public would respond. The report summarizes staff responses relative to: (1) division (administration, conservation/communications, enforcement, fisheries, and wildlife), (2) location (field and headquarters), and (3) job category (biological, management, and technical).