Diversity

Editorial

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6 pages, 1759 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Cross-Landscape Approaches to Human Wildlife Conflicts—Naïve or Necessary?

by Thomas Göttert

Diversity 2023, 15(5), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15050653 - 11 May 2023

Viewed by 1656

Abstract

When I was approached to edit a Special Issue (SI) on “Human wildlife conflicts across landscapes”, I was particularly interested in the unprejudiced, not to say near-naïve approach to the subject [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Wildlife Conflict across Landscapes)

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Research

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21 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unlocking Lethal Dingo Management in Australia

by Louise Boronyak, Brent Jacobs and Bradley Smith

Diversity 2023, 15(5), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15050642 - 9 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3820

Abstract

Adoption by livestock producers of preventive non-lethal innovations forms a critical pathway towards human and large carnivore coexistence. However, it is impeded by factors such as socio-cultural contexts, governing institutions, and ‘perverse’ economic incentives that result in a ‘lock-in’ of lethal control of [...] Read more.

Adoption by livestock producers of preventive non-lethal innovations forms a critical pathway towards human and large carnivore coexistence. However, it is impeded by factors such as socio-cultural contexts, governing institutions, and ‘perverse’ economic incentives that result in a ‘lock-in’ of lethal control of carnivores in grazing systems. In Australian rangelands, the dingo is the dominant predator in conflict with ‘graziers’ and is subjected to lethal control measures despite evidence indicating that its presence in agricultural landscapes can provide multiple benefits. Here we explore the barriers to the uptake of preventive innovations in livestock grazing through 21 in-depth interviews conducted with Australian graziers, researchers, and conservation and government representatives. Drawing on Donella Meadow’s leverage points for system change framework, we focus, primarily, on barriers in the ‘political sphere’ because they appear to form the greatest impediment to the adoption of non-lethal tools and practices. These barriers are then discussed in relation to characteristics of lock-in traps (self-reinforcement, persistence, path dependencies, and undesirability) to assess how they constrain the promotion of human–dingo coexistence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Wildlife Conflict across Landscapes)

11 pages, 1599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Space Use and Movements of Southeastern Breeding Double-Crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) in the United States

by Leah L. K. Moran, Brian S. Dorr, Katie C. Hanson-Dorr, R. J. Moore and Scott A. Rush

Diversity 2023, 15(3), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15030453 - 18 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1722

Abstract

Seasonal movements of Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) have been studied at breeding and wintering sites in the southeastern United States, but little information exists on the movements of these birds within and from their southern breeding sites in lacustrine systems. Since [...] Read more.

Seasonal movements of Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) have been studied at breeding and wintering sites in the southeastern United States, but little information exists on the movements of these birds within and from their southern breeding sites in lacustrine systems. Since 2001, cormorants have established nesting colonies on islands in Guntersville Reservoir in Alabama, USA. Following the movements of tagged cormorants using satellite telemetry, we found that the mean home range during the 2017 breeding season (May–August) was 41.76 km², with a core use area of 6.36 km². The mean home range used by these birds was largest during the period coinciding with incubation: 9–30 May: (98.86 ± 80.64 km²) compared with the chick-rearing 31 May–4 July: 18.30 ± 22.56 km²), and the post-fledge periods (5 July–15 August: 42.04 ± 30.95 km²). There was no significant difference in the metrics of movement and space use between male and female cormorants assessed in this study. Differences in space used by cormorants breeding in Alabama relative to their northern breeding grounds may be explained by landscape characteristics and availability of prey. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Wildlife Conflict across Landscapes)

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14 pages, 2577 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Qualitative Exploration of Conflicts in Human-Wildlife Interactions in Namibia’s Kunene Region

by Robert Luetkemeier, Ronja Kraus, Meed Mbidzo, Morgan Hauptfleisch, Stefan Liehr and Niels Blaum

Diversity 2023, 15(3), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15030440 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2885

Abstract

Wildlife numbers are declining globally due to anthropogenic pressures. In Namibia, however, wildlife populations increased with policy instruments that allow private ownership and incentivize their sustainable use. Antithetically, this resulted in increased resource competition between humans and wildlife and triggered conflicts among various [...] Read more.

Wildlife numbers are declining globally due to anthropogenic pressures. In Namibia, however, wildlife populations increased with policy instruments that allow private ownership and incentivize their sustainable use. Antithetically, this resulted in increased resource competition between humans and wildlife and triggered conflicts among various stakeholder groups. This paper summarizes the results of a qualitative exploration of conflicts in wildlife management in Namibia’s Kunene Region, adjacent to Etosha National Park. We conducted a workshop and expert interviews with stakeholders from relevant sectors. Our qualitative research sheds light on societal conflicts over wildlife that originate from diverging interests, livelihood strategies, moral values, knowledge holders, personal relations and views on institutional procedures. We frame our insights into conflicting human–wildlife interactions with theoretical concepts of social-ecological systems, ecosystem services and ecosystem disservices and open the floor for quantitative assessments. Overall, our results may present a suitable way of understanding biodiversity conflicts in a theoretical way. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Wildlife Conflict across Landscapes)

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12 pages, 2158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Perspective of the Human–Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) Conflicts in Kumrat Valley, Northern Pakistan

by Romaan Hayat Khattak, Liwei Teng, Tahir Mehmood, Shakeel Ahmad, Ejaz Ur Rehman, Sayantani M. Basak and Zhensheng Liu

Diversity 2022, 14(10), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14100887 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2746

Abstract

In developing countries, long-term conservation goals are hindered by the high economic costs of human–wildlife conflicts. The grey wolf is one of the prominent species indulged in these incidents. We investigated human–wolf conflicts (HWCs) by interviewing 104 respondents from five villages in Kumrat [...] Read more.

In developing countries, long-term conservation goals are hindered by the high economic costs of human–wildlife conflicts. The grey wolf is one of the prominent species indulged in these incidents. We investigated human–wolf conflicts (HWCs) by interviewing 104 respondents from five villages in Kumrat Valley, northern Pakistan. The respondents declared the grey wolf a common and highly dangerous carnivore. The grey wolf was found implicated in livestock predation, inflicting a yearly economic loss of USD 9225 (USD 88.70 per household (with monthly average income of 119 USD)). Our results confirmed that livestock predation was the main reason for the community’s hostile attitude (65.38%) and perception of the grey wolf. Concerning occupation, farmers have the most significant negative attitude (p = 0.040) towards the grey wolf, yet employees (p = 0.025) and students (p = 0.030) showed a positive attitude. In addition, the other factors contributing to the negative attitude towards the grey wolf were the grey wolf sightings and livestock predation (p = 0.016 and p = 0.006), respectively. Based on the findings, we believe that predation compensation and livestock vaccination programs (as done in Gilgit-Baltistan Province of northern Pakistan as a measure of snow leopard conservation, to prevent mass mortalities of livestock due to diseases and in turn safeguarding the predator from retaliatory killing by locals in case of livestock predation) educating the populous can be very promising in minimizing the HWCs in the study area. We also recommend robust and continuous coordination between the local communities and the concerned departments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Wildlife Conflict across Landscapes)

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18 pages, 1166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Backyard Biomes: Is Anyone There? Improving Public Awareness of Urban Wildlife Activity

by Loren L. Fardell, Chris R. Pavey and Chris R. Dickman

Diversity 2022, 14(4), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040263 - 30 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3601

Abstract

Wildlife are increasingly being found in urban habitats, and likely rely on some resources in suburban household yards, which exposes them to the effects of yard management and human and pet activities. We compared the relationships between these potential disturbances and benefits to [...] Read more.

Wildlife are increasingly being found in urban habitats, and likely rely on some resources in suburban household yards, which exposes them to the effects of yard management and human and pet activities. We compared the relationships between these potential disturbances and benefits to the number of different types of wildlife sighted by householders, using written surveys. Owing to the inability of many household respondents to identify animals to the species or genus level, each different ‘type’ of animal individually listed was counted to generate the total number of types of wildlife observed by each household. We found that relatively more types of wildlife were observed by residents whose yards provided ease of faunal access under or through fences, had reduced pesticide use, increased levels of anthropogenic noise, and increased presence of pets in yards. The latter two associations likely relate to the increased opportunities to observe wildlife in yards that each creates. We also investigated the use of yards by wildlife and domestic pets in open compared to more vegetated habitats by day and night, using motion-sensor cameras. All animals observed were compared to the activity of introduced brown and black rats (Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus), owing to their wild origins but long commensal history with humans. Camera images indicated that animals’ natural activity periods were maintained in yards. Brown antechinuses (Antechinus stuartii), northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus), domestic cats (Felis catus) and native birds (species as listed below) each preferred sheltered or vegetated habitats over open habitats, when compared to the introduced rats that showed little habitat preference. However, unlike the other species, the native birds used open areas more than vegetated or sheltered areas when compared within their group only. The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) was observed to use open areas comparatively more than the introduced rats, but used vegetated or sheltered habitats more when compared to self only. The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) used open areas more than vegetated or sheltered areas, when compared to the introduced rats, and against themselves. This indicated a level of coping with urban stressors by the native animals, but with a reliance on more vegetated habitats to allow for natural stress-relieving behaviours of escape or hiding. Here, we offer insights into how each of these findings may be used to help educate and motivate increased household responsibility for urban wildlife conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Wildlife Conflict across Landscapes)

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Review

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20 pages, 824 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

It Is a Wild World in the City: Urban Wildlife Conservation and Communication in the Age of COVID-19

by Ioana A. Coman, Caitlyn E. Cooper-Norris, Scott Longing and Gad Perry

Diversity 2022, 14(7), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14070539 - 4 Jul 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 8948

Abstract

Most ecosystems are increasingly being degraded and reduced by human activities at the local and global scales. In contrast, urban environments are expanding as increasing portions of humanity move into cities. Despite the common perception among biologists that urban areas are biological deserts, [...] Read more.

Most ecosystems are increasingly being degraded and reduced by human activities at the local and global scales. In contrast, urban environments are expanding as increasing portions of humanity move into cities. Despite the common perception among biologists that urban areas are biological deserts, cities offer habitat for many non-human species, but their ecology and conservation remain poorly studied. In this review, we first provide an update on the current state of knowledge on urban wildlife, then briefly examine the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban wildlife and add four components not previously included in comprehensive reviews. (1) We show that by reducing human activity, COVID-19 has temporarily enhanced urban habitat quality for some species and diminished it for others. (2) Thoughtful horticulture can contribute to urban wildlife by providing complex habitat structures that benefit biodiversity while enhancing human wellbeing. (3) Recent literature on urban invertebrate biodiversity has grown, though is still focused on pollinators. (4) Finally, employing insights from the discipline of communication can enhance the success of urban biodiversity conservation among both biologists and the public. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Wildlife Conflict across Landscapes)

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18 pages, 4888 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Human–Wildlife Conflicts across Landscapes—General Applicability vs. Case Specificity

by Thomas Göttert and Nicole Starik

Diversity 2022, 14(5), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050380 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6731

Abstract

Here, we address the question of if/to what extent human–wildlife conflict (HWC) can be reduced or mitigated by supra-regional or even global approaches, or whether case- and region-specific strategies are necessary. First, we try to shift the perspective from humans towards wildlife and [...] Read more.

Here, we address the question of if/to what extent human–wildlife conflict (HWC) can be reduced or mitigated by supra-regional or even global approaches, or whether case- and region-specific strategies are necessary. First, we try to shift the perspective from humans towards wildlife and regard modern era (near) extinctions of selected wildlife species as an ultimate expression of HWC. We then reflect on the legitimacy of ecosystem comparisons beyond the borders of biogeographical regions—an important prerequisite for global approaches. In the following, we present two case scenarios that exemplarily illustrate the topic from different perspectives: carnivore–livestock conflicts (classical view, human perspective) and wind turbine-induced mortality of bats (wildlife perspective, rarely regarded as a form of HWC). On this basis, we try to develop a framework that enables a global approach, while adequately considering case- and region-specificity. We think that a globally valid and generally approachable dimension can be defined, as long as there is a natural link: in the present case the established monophyly of the orders Carnivora and Chiroptera, i.e., representatives descending from common ancestors, thus sharing common ecological features. This natural relationship among all representatives of a systematic group (specification of the “wildlife” concept) is key for the development of an overarching strategy that can be adjusted to a specific case. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Wildlife Conflict across Landscapes)

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