1
|
Selva N, Bautista C, Fernández-Gil A, de Gabriel Hernando M, García-Rodríguez A, Naves J, Calzada J, Díaz-Fernández M, Díaz-Vaquero V, Leonard JA, Morales-González A, Naves-Alegre L, Quevedo M, Salado I, Vilà C, Revilla E. FAIR data would alleviate large carnivore conflict. Science 2023; 382:893-894. [PMID: 37995234 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl6080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Selva
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31120 Kraków, Poland
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Física, Matemáticas y Computación, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Carlos Bautista
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31120 Kraków, Poland
| | - Alberto Fernández-Gil
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | | | - Javier Naves
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Javier Calzada
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Física, Matemáticas y Computación, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Manuel Díaz-Fernández
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Vanessa Díaz-Vaquero
- Biodiversity Research Institute, University of Oviedo-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Principality of Asturias, 33600 Mieres, Spain
| | - Jennifer A Leonard
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ana Morales-González
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lara Naves-Alegre
- Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Mario Quevedo
- Biodiversity Research Institute, University of Oviedo-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Principality of Asturias, 33600 Mieres, Spain
| | - Isabel Salado
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Carles Vilà
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eloy Revilla
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Drouilly M, Nattrass N, O’Riain MJ. Small-livestock farmers' perceived effectiveness of predation control methods and the correlates of reported illegal poison use in the South African Karoo. AMBIO 2023; 52:1635-1649. [PMID: 37389757 PMCID: PMC10460750 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01892-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of poison against predators is pervasive and negatively impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health globally. Little is known about the correlates of poison use as a lethal control method on small-livestock farmland. We used a mixed-methods approach to investigate commercial farmers' experience with and perceived effectiveness of predation control methods, reported poison use and its correlates in the Central Karoo. Farmers perceived lethal methods to be cheaper and more effective than non-lethal methods in protecting their livestock from predation. They reported more experience with lethal methods, and over half reported having used poison. This is higher than other estimates in southern Africa and consistent with other survey-based evidence from the Karoo. Reported poison use was positively related to perceived efficacy, declining on-farm employment and perceived threats of predators. It was negatively related to terrain ruggedness. Our findings provide an understanding of the context and motivations shaping this illegal behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marine Drouilly
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, H.W. Pearson Building, University of Cape Town, University Avenue North, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701 South Africa
- Panthera, 8 W 40th Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018 USA
- Centre for Social Science Research, Robert Leslie Social Science Building, University of Cape Town, 12 University Avenue South, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701 South Africa
| | - Nicoli Nattrass
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, H.W. Pearson Building, University of Cape Town, University Avenue North, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701 South Africa
- Centre for Social Science Research, Robert Leslie Social Science Building, University of Cape Town, 12 University Avenue South, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701 South Africa
| | - M. Justin O’Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, H.W. Pearson Building, University of Cape Town, University Avenue North, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701 South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Martínez-Carrasco C, Moroni B, García-Garrigós A, Robetto S, Carella E, Zoppi S, Tizzani P, Gonzálvez M, Orusa R, Rossi L. Wolf Is Back: A Novel Sensitive Sentinel Rejoins the Trichinella Cycle in the Western Alps. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10030206. [PMID: 36977245 PMCID: PMC10055899 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10030206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichinella is a foodborne parasite whose wildlife reservoirs are represented by carnivores and omnivores with predatory and scavenger behavior. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Trichinella infection in grey wolves (Canis lupus) that recolonized the Western Alps from the end of the past century, and discuss the epidemiological role played by this apex predator in the early phases of its return. During the period 2017–2022, diaphragm samples were obtained from 130 individuals collected in the frame of a wolf mortality survey. Trichinella larvae were found in 15 wolves (11.53%) with a parasite intensity of 11.74 larvae per gram. Trichinella britovi was the only species identified. This is the first prevalence survey of Trichinella in wolves recolonizing the Alps. Results suggest that, in this particular biotope, the wolf has rejoined the Trichinella cycle and has the potential to play an increasingly important role as maintenance host. Arguments in favor and against this perspective are discussed and knowledge gaps highlighted. The calculated Trichinella larval biomass in the estimated wolf population roaming in Northwest Italy will serve as baseline value to explore possible shifts in the relative importance of wolves as Trichinella reservoir within the regional carnivore community. Finally, wolves re-colonizing the Alps already appear as sensitive sentinels to monitor the risk of Trichinella zoonotic transmission by infected wild boar meat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez-Carrasco
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Barbara Moroni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence: (B.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Anna García-Garrigós
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Serena Robetto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Centro di Referenza Nazionale Malattie Animali Selvatici (CERMAS), Località Amerique 7G, 11020 Quart, Italy
| | - Emanuele Carella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence: (B.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Simona Zoppi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Tizzani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Riccardo Orusa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Centro di Referenza Nazionale Malattie Animali Selvatici (CERMAS), Località Amerique 7G, 11020 Quart, Italy
| | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Díaz‐Fernández M, Naves J, Revilla E. Conservation implications of range dynamics in endangered populations: An example with brown bears. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Díaz‐Fernández
- Department of Conservation Biology Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD‐CSIC) Américo Vespucio, 26 Seville Spain
| | - Javier Naves
- Department of Conservation Biology Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD‐CSIC) Américo Vespucio, 26 Seville Spain
| | - Eloy Revilla
- Department of Conservation Biology Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD‐CSIC) Américo Vespucio, 26 Seville Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Neagu AC, Manolache S, Rozylowicz L. The drums of war are beating louder: Media coverage of brown bears in Romania. NATURE CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.50.86019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The increasing demand for resources to meet the needs of our society has transformed the environment and increased the likelihood of human-wildlife interactions. Romania has the highest density of brown bears in Europe, with more than 7000 individuals populating the Carpathian Mountains and neighboring areas. The large brown bear population in Romania inhabits ever-increasing human-dominated landscapes, which frequently results in conflict with humans. The means and frequency by which the media communicates information to the readership influence the public perception of human-wildlife conflicts. This research is intended to contribute to the existing knowledge on human-brown bear coexistence in Romania by (1) exploring how the Romanian media depicts human-brown bear interactions in terms of the main themes discussed, framing of issues (emotions and key messages), and likely impacts on public perception; (2) analyzing the changes in reporting on human brown-bear interactions following the transition of the legal status of the brown bear from game to strictly protected species; and (3) investigating suggested policy and management solutions. The results indicate that news stories related to brown bears became common in Romanian mass media after 2016, when a provisional one-year ban on culling was instated, after which it increased abruptly in 2021, following the whistleblowing of an alleged trophy hunting event. The focus on human-bear interaction and hunting/poaching themes has not changed; however, the position of the media toward brown bears has become increasingly negative, even when presenting news stories covering human-bear interactions that incur no harm. To facilitate human-brown bear coexistence in Romania, scientists and practitioners should communicate with media representatives and provide a supplementary context for news stories. Evidence-informed news can help authorities better understand conflicts and create bottom-up pathways toward an optimistic future for brown bears and Romanian society.
Collapse
|
6
|
Lorand C, Robert A, Gastineau A, Mihoub JB, Bessa-Gomes C. Effectiveness of interventions for managing human-large carnivore conflicts worldwide: Scare them off, don't remove them. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156195. [PMID: 35623521 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflicts are associated with a threat to large carnivores, as well as with economic and social costs, thus challenging conservation management around the world. In this study, we explored the effectiveness of common management interventions used worldwide for the purpose of conflict reduction using an evidence-based framework combining expert assessment of intervention effectiveness, impact and uncertainty of assessment. We first conducted a literature review of human-large carnivore conflicts across the world. Based on this review, we identified three main types of management interventions (non-lethal, translocations, and lethal management) and we assessed their effectiveness. Our review indicates that, although the characteristics of conflicts with large carnivores are heavily influenced by the local context and the species, the main issues are depredation on livestock, space-sharing, and attacks on humans. Non-lethal interventions are more likely to reduce conflict, whereas translocations and lethal interventions are mostly ineffective and/or harmful to carnivore populations, without fostering successful long-term coexistence. The literature on conflict management is often imprecise and lacks consistency between studies or situations, which generally makes comparisons difficult. Our protocol allows for the reliable comparison of experiments characterized by heterogeneous standards, response variables, protocols, and quality of evidence. Nevertheless, we encourage the use of systematic protocols with common good standards in order to provide more reliable empirical evidence. This would clarify the relative effectiveness of conflict management strategies and contribute to the global reduction in the occurrence of human-large carnivore conflicts across the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lorand
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, CP 135, 43 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France; Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, UMR 8079 CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, Orsay, France.
| | - Alexandre Robert
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, CP 135, 43 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Adrienne Gastineau
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, CP 135, 43 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France; Equipe Ours, Unité Prédateurs-Animaux Déprédateurs, Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, impasse de la Chapelle, 31800 Villeneuve-de-Rivière, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Mihoub
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, CP 135, 43 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Carmen Bessa-Gomes
- Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, UMR 8079 CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, Orsay, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Janeiro-Otero A, Álvarez X, Fernández Crespo C, Valero E, Dormann CF. Grey wolf feeding habits and their geographical variation in Northwest Spain. FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
|
8
|
Yabsley SH, Meade J, Hibburt TD, Martin JM, Boardman WSJ, Nicolle D, Walker MJ, Turbill C, Welbergen JA. Variety is the spice of life: Flying-foxes exploit a variety of native and exotic food plants in an urban landscape mosaic. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.907966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Generally, urbanization is a major threat to biodiversity; however, urban areas also provide habitats that some species can exploit. Flying-foxes (Pteropus spp.) are becoming increasingly urbanized; which is thought to be a result of increased availability and temporal stability of urban food resources, diminished natural food resources, or both. Previous research has shown that urban-roosting grey-headed flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) preferentially forage in human-modified landscapes. However, which land-use areas and food plants support its presence in urban areas is unknown. We tracked nine P. poliocephalus roosting in Adelaide, South Australia, between December 2019 and May 2020, using global positioning systems (GPS), to investigate how individuals used the urban landscape mosaic for feeding. The most frequently visited land-use category was “residential” (40% of fixes) followed by “road-side,” “reserves” and “primary production” (13–14% each). However, “reserves” were visited four times more frequently than expected from their areal availability, followed by the “residential” and “road-side” categories that were visited approximately twice more than expected each; in contrast, the “primary production” category was visited approximately five times less than expected. These results suggest that while residential areas provide most foraging resources supporting Adelaide’s flying-fox population, reserves contain foraging resources that are particularly attractive to P. poliocephalus. Primary production land was relatively less utilized, presumably because it contains few food resources. Throughout, flying-foxes visited an eclectic mixture of diet plants (49 unique species), with a majority of feeding fixes (63%) to locally indigenous Australian native species; however, in residential areas 53% of feeding visits were to non-locally indigenous species, vs only 13% in reserves. Flowering and fruiting phenology records of the food plants visited further indicated that non-locally indigenous species increase the temporal availability of foraging resources for P. poliocephalus in urban Adelaide. Our findings demonstrate the importance of residential areas for urban-roosting P. poliocephalus, and suggest that the anthropogenic mixture of food resources available in the urban landscape mosaic supports the species’ year-round presence in urban areas. Our results further highlight the importance of conserving natural habitats within the urban landscape mosaic, and stress the need for accounting for wildlife responses to urban greening initiatives.
Collapse
|
9
|
Uzal A, Martinez-Artero J, Ordiz A, Zarzo-Arias A, Penteriani V. Habitat characteristics around dens in female brown bears with cubs are density dependent. MAMMAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-022-00640-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The mechanisms determining habitat use in animal populations have important implications for population dynamics, conservation, and management. Here, we investigated how an increase in annual numbers of brown bear females with cubs of the year (FCOY) in a growing, yet threatened population, could explain differences in the habitat characteristics around reproductive dens. Habitat characteristics around FCOY dens were compared between a low bear density period (1995–2005) and a period when the population was increasing (2006–2016). We also compared the distance to the nearest breeding area and to all other breeding areas observed during the same year. The results suggested that during the second period, breeding areas were closer to rivers, fruit trees, and anthropogenic sources of disturbance (trails, highways) than in 1995–2005. There were also shorter distances to the closest neighboring breeding area, while the mean distance among FCOY breeding areas increased as the population grew and expanded at the landscape level. These changes may reflect that the best den locations were increasingly occupied (i.e., ideal-despotic distribution), and may be further explained by the avoidance of conspecifics by FCOY in a critical time of the year, when newborn cubs are most vulnerable. We suggest that both density-dependent factors and human-related features of the landscape are crucial to understanding long-term dynamics in the habitat use of a threatened species.
Collapse
|
10
|
Oliveira T, Treves A, López-Bao JV, Krofel M. The contribution of the LIFE program to mitigating damages caused by large carnivores in Europe. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
11
|
Morales-González A, Fernández-Gil A, Quevedo M, Revilla E. Patterns and determinants of dispersal in grey wolves (Canis lupus). Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:466-480. [PMID: 34664396 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dispersal is a key demographic process involving three stages: emigration, transience and settlement; each of which is influenced by individual, social and environmental determinants. An integrated understanding of species dispersal is essential for demographic modelling and conservation planning. Here, we review the dispersal patterns and determinants documented in the scientific literature for the grey wolf (Canis lupus) across its distribution range. We showed a surprisingly high variability within and among study areas on all dispersal parameters - dispersal rate, direction, distance, duration and success. We found that such large variability is due to multiple individual, social and environmental determinants, but also due to previously overlooked methodological research issues. We revealed a potential non-linear relationship between dispersal rate and population density, with dispersal rate higher at both ends of the gradient of population density. We found that human-caused mortality reduces distance, duration and success of dispersal events. Furthermore, dispersers avoid interaction with humans, and highly exposed areas like agricultural lands hamper population connectivity in many cases. We identified numerous methodological research problems that make it difficult to obtain robust estimates of dispersal parameters and robust inferences on dispersal patterns and their determinants. In particular, analyses where confounding factors were not accounted for led to substantial knowledge gaps on all aspects of dispersal in an otherwise much-studied species. Our understanding of wolf biology and management would significantly benefit if wolf dispersal studies reported the results and possible factors affecting wolf dispersal more transparently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Morales-González
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, Sevilla, 41092, Spain
| | - Alberto Fernández-Gil
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, Sevilla, 41092, Spain
| | - Mario Quevedo
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, and Research Institute of Biodiversity (IMIB, UO-CSIC-PA), Oviedo University, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Eloy Revilla
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, Sevilla, 41092, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pettersson HL, Quinn CH, Holmes G, Sait SM, López-Bao JV. Welcoming Wolves? Governing the Return of Large Carnivores in Traditional Pastoral Landscapes. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.710218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolf populations are recovering across Europe and readily recolonize most areas where humans allow their presence. Reintegrating wolves in human-dominated landscapes is a major challenge, particularly in places where memories and experience of coexistence have been lost. Despite the observed expansion trends, little has been done to prepare communities for the return of these apex predators, or to understand what fosters and perpetuates coexistence. In this study, we present a theoretical framework for resilient coexistence based on four conditions: Effective institutions, large carnivore persistence, social legitimacy, and low levels of risk and vulnerability, nested within the social-ecological systems (SES) concept. To empirically show how the conditions can be manifested and interconnected, and how this knowledge could be used to improve local coexistence capacities, the framework is applied in a case study of human–wolf relations in Spain. We examined three traditionally pastoral landscapes at different states of cohabitation with wolves: uninterrupted presence, recent recolonization, and imminent return. We found that both the perceptions of wolves and the capacity to coexist with them diverged across these states, and that this was largely determined by a diversity of vulnerabilities that have not been recognized or addressed within current management regimes, such as economic precarity and weak legitimacy for governing institutions. Our results illustrate the importance of working in close contact with communities to understand local needs and enhance adaptive capacities in the face of rural transitions, beyond those directly related to wolves. The framework complements emerging tools for coexistence developed by researchers and practitioners, which offer guidance on the process of situational analysis, planning, and resource allocation needed to balance large carnivore conservation with local livelihoods.
Collapse
|
13
|
Closer to Carrying Capacity: Analysis of the Internal Demographic Structure Associated with the Management and Density Dependence of a Controlled Wolf Population in Latvia. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13179783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Large carnivores are essential components of natural ecosystems. In populated areas, their conservation depends on preserving a favorable status in coexistence with humans, which may require the elimination of excess carnivores to minimize public concerns. As the Baltic region currently hosts a thriving wolf population, locally sustainable management of wolves is important for preserving biodiversity at a European scale. In this paper, we provide a dynamic assessment of the Latvian wolf subpopulation from 1998 until 2020. This study is based on age composition and fecundity data from teeth, uteri, and ovaria inspections obtained from samples of legally culled or accidentally killed individuals. The abundance estimates indicated population growth that exceeded the previously predicted carrying capacity. The proportion of juveniles among the culled individuals increased in recent years, but the mean age of culled adults exhibited a stable trend. In presumably nonselective hunting, the juveniles and individuals older than 3 years had greater culling mortality estimates in comparison with other age classes, and the culling rates for adult females of particular age classes were higher than for males of the same age. While creating significant hunting pressure, wolf management in Latvia may have contributed to the population growth by affecting its demographic processes.
Collapse
|
14
|
Management Models Applied to the Human-Wolf Conflict in Agro-Forestry-Pastoral Territories of Two Italian Protected Areas and One Spanish Game Area. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041141. [PMID: 33923619 PMCID: PMC8073295 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Conservation practices in the nature of some animal species are very difficult when they are in conflict with anthropogenic activities. In order to make possible the coexistence of a predator such as the wolf with animal breeding activities in the wild, the EU has produced solid and structured legislation through the Natura 2000 network. The application of the Habitats Directive allows the various member countries to choose biodiversity management actions as long as they maintain their resilience. Our work compares two different management methods developed in Spain and Italy with the aim of evaluating a possible difference in the conservation of wolf packs present in their respective territories. The results obtained show that both in Spain and Italy, the presence of the wolf causes damage to livestock. The economic damage is quite substantial and affects, in different ways, sheep, goat, bovine, and equine breeding. Nevertheless, wolf populations are stable in Spain, where hunting is allowed, and slightly increasing in Italy, where the species is particularly protected. Abstract Our work shows that, despite the persistence of persecutory actions, conservation activity has proved successful for the return of numerous wild mammals to different habitats, including the wolf. The human-wolf conflict is still described in all countries where the wolf is present. This is evidenced by the high number of damages on livestock, and the corpses of wolves found both in protected areas and in those where hunting is permitted. The diagnosis of road accidents, together with poisoning and poaching, are major causes of mortality. Although hunting records the highest percentage of kills in Spain, the demographic stability reported by the censuses suggests that this activity does not have a consistent influence on the Iberian wolf population’s survival. In Italy, where wolf hunting is prohibited, wolf populations are to be increasing. In some Italian situations, wolf attacks on horses seem to cause unwanted damage to foals, but they represent a very precious source of information about the habits of carnivores. A simple management plan would be sufficient to help the coexistence between the productive parts and the ecosystem services ensured by the presence of the wolf. The presence of hybrids is a negative factor.
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
The effects of human disturbance spread over virtually all ecosystems and ecological communities on Earth. In this review, we focus on the effects of human disturbance on terrestrial apex predators. We summarize their ecological role in nature and how they respond to different sources of human disturbance. Apex predators control their prey and smaller predators numerically and via behavioral changes to avoid predation risk, which in turn can affect lower trophic levels. Crucially, reducing population numbers and triggering behavioral responses are also the effects that human disturbance causes to apex predators, which may in turn influence their ecological role. Some populations continue to be at the brink of extinction, but others are partially recovering former ranges, via natural recolonization and through reintroductions. Carnivore recovery is both good news for conservation and a challenge for management, particularly when recovery occurs in human-dominated landscapes. Therefore, we conclude by discussing several management considerations that, adapted to local contexts, may favor the recovery of apex predator populations and their ecological functions in nature.
Collapse
|
16
|
Balčiauskas L, Balčiauskienė L, Litvaitis JA, Tijušas E. Adaptive monitoring: using citizen scientists to track wolf populations when winter-track counts become unreliable. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextIn many countries, annual wolf surveys based on snow-track counts have become unreliable because of inconsistent snow coverage. We considered incidental observations by volunteers throughout the year as an alternative monitoring protocol.
AimsWe recruited interested citizens throughout Lithuania, including hunters, foresters and farmers, to estimate wolf distribution, abundance, pack numbers and group size from 2015 to 2018.
MethodsObservation-based records of wolves were collected using simple questionnaires that included time, location and method of observation (e.g. track, scat, vocalisation or prey-kill remains). We summarised 979 reports of 1938 observed wolves.
Key resultsVolunteer reports suggested an increase in wolf distribution and abundance from 2015 to 2018. The observed number of wolf packs was estimated to be at least 100 by 2018, pack size increased to 3.6, and the share of single wolves decreased from 56% in 2015 to 40% in 2018.
ConclusionsWe found that volunteer observations can provide useful information on wolf distribution, pack size and pack numbers. Our results support previous reports of expanding wolf populations in the Baltic region.
ImplicationsResults of our citizen-science effort by Nature Research Centre and Lithuanian Hunters and Fishers Association have been accepted by the Ministry of Environment as a complement to other surveys in Lithuania and should aid in developing an informed wolf-management policy.
Collapse
|
17
|
Hovardas T. A Social Learning Approach for Stakeholder Engagement in Large Carnivore Conservation and Management. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.525278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present paper reports on a methodology for stakeholder engagement in large carnivore conservation and management, which was implemented in a LIFE project in Greece (LIFE AMYBEAR: Improving Human-Bear Coexistence Conditions in Municipality of Amyntaio–LIFE15 NAT/GR/001108). The methodology was employed within the frame of human dimension actions in that project and included three different stages planned in a modular sequence (stakeholder analysis, stakeholder consultation and involvement, and participatory scenario development). Each stage was operationalized by means of a template (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis template; mixed-motive template; template for participatory scenario development), which was designed to structure stakeholder input and interaction and scaffold social learning. The templates were completed by standard methods and procedures in social science, namely, interviews, focus groups, and workshops. The presentation of the methodology in this paper has a demonstration character. The main aim is to showcase its heuristic value in steering stakeholder collaboration and tracking change as a result of stakeholder joint action. The paper will demonstrate the benefits and added value of innovation and change initiated by actions in the LIFE project, as well as the costs or unintended consequences of that innovation and change, which need to be tackled by future stakeholder collaboration. The beginnings of an institutionalization of stakeholder involvement revealed features of both formal (e.g., new institutions established such as a Bear Emergency Team) and informal institutions (e.g., social norms). These features illustrated a departure from the current condition, where social learning may already be traceable. At the same time, however, stakeholder interaction has also delineated additional aspects that need to be addressed by stakeholders. The added value of the methodology is that it can be enacted by stakeholders themselves, provided that they are empowered to take ownership of the social learning process. Therefore, it can be exploited in after-LIFE plans. The approach can also be used in other multi-stakeholder arrangements, such as platforms concentrated on wildlife conservation and management. Finally, it should be noted that the methodology and templates fill an important gap, often highlighted in the social learning literature, in that they offer a toolkit for monitoring and assessment.
Collapse
|
18
|
Grossmann CM, Patkó L, Ortseifen D, Kimmig E, Cattoen EM, Schraml U. Human-Large Carnivores Co-existence in Europe – A Comparative Stakeholder Network Analysis. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
19
|
Zarzo‐Arias A, Delgado MM, Palazón S, Afonso Jordana I, Bombieri G, González‐Bernardo E, Ordiz A, Bettega C, García‐González R, Penteriani V. Seasonality, local resources and environmental factors influence patterns of brown bear damages: implications for management. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Zarzo‐Arias
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB CSIC‐UO‐PA) Mieres Spain
| | - M. M. Delgado
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB CSIC‐UO‐PA) Mieres Spain
| | - S. Palazón
- Fauna and Flora Service, Territory and Sustainability Department Generalitat de Catalunya Barcelona Spain
| | | | - G. Bombieri
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB CSIC‐UO‐PA) Mieres Spain
- Sezione Zoologia dei Vertebrati Museo delle Scienze Trento Italy
| | | | - A. Ordiz
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
| | - C. Bettega
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB CSIC‐UO‐PA) Mieres Spain
| | | | - V. Penteriani
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB CSIC‐UO‐PA) Mieres Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Temple D, Manteca X. Animal Welfare in Extensive Production Systems Is Still an Area of Concern. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2020.545902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
|
21
|
Landscape Connectivity and Suitable Habitat Analysis for Wolves (Canis lupus L.) in the Eastern Pyrenees. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12145762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, much of the mountain area in European countries has turned into potential habitat for species of medium- and large-sized mammals. Some of the occurrences that explain this trend are biodiversity protection, the creation of natural protected areas, and the abandonment of traditional agricultural activities. In recent years, wolves have once again been seen in forests in the eastern sector of the Pyrenees and the Pre-Pyrenees. The success or failure of their permanent settlement will depend on several factors, including conservation measures for the species, habitat availability, and the state of landscape connectivity. The aim of this study is to analyze the state of landscape connectivity for fragments of potential wolf habitat in Catalonia, Andorra, and on the French side of the Eastern Pyrenees. The results show that a third of the area studied constitutes potential wolf habitat and almost 90% of these spaces are of sufficient size to host stable packs. The set of potential wolf habitat fragments was also assessed using the probability of connectivity index (dPC), which analyses landscape connectivity based on graph structures. According to the graph theory, the results confirm that all the nodes or habitat fragments are directly or indirectly interconnected, thus forming a single component. Given the large availability of suitable habitat and the current state of landscape connectivity for the species, the dispersal of the wolf would be favorable if stable packs are formed. A new established population in the Pyrenees could lead to more genetic exchange between the Iberian wolf population and the rest of Europe’s wolf populations.
Collapse
|
22
|
Martínez-Sastre R, García D, Miñarro M, Martín-López B. Farmers' perceptions and knowledge of natural enemies as providers of biological control in cider apple orchards. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 266:110589. [PMID: 32392141 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
While the importance of biological control for crop production is widely acknowledged, research on how farmers perceive on-farm natural enemies remains scarce. This paper examines cider-apple farmers' perceptions and knowledge of the concept of biological control and the specific organisms underpinning its provision (i.e. natural enemies) in the cider-apple orchards of Asturias (N Spain). Although these orchards host a high diversity of natural enemies, certain pests continue to be a problem, e.g. the codling moth and the fossorial water vole. By conducting 90 face-to-face surveys, we found that farmers "under-estimated" the importance of biological control and the role played by natural enemies in suppressing pests from cider-apple orchards. Furthermore, farmers were particularly unaware of the indirect benefits of biological control, such as the increased quality and yield of product. Farmers also perceived that different taxa of natural enemies contribute to biological control to differing extents, for example, birds, such as buzzard, robin and tit, were perceived as the most important natural enemies, while arachnids and insects (excluding ladybug) were perceived as less important. This perceived difference in the biological control contribution of vertebrates and invertebrates could be influenced by farmers' local knowledge, acquired on-farm through daily experiences, as well as from external sources. In addition, we found that farmers did recognize many interactions between natural enemies and pests, although there were serious misconceptions and knowledge gaps. Finally, we revealed that education level, being a full-or part time farmer rather than a 'hobby' farmer, time spent working in agriculture, and orchard size are all factors that positively influence farmer's perception of natural enemies. Our results provide insights for a future management of cider-apple orchards which promotes biological control through: (1) creating initiatives to develop farmers' knowledge regarding biological control and natural enemies, (2) fostering traditional farming systems that contribute to preserving local ecological knowledge of biological control, and (3) establishing networks of farmers so they can learn from each other and share local knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Martínez-Sastre
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Apdo.13, E-33300, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Daniel García
- Dpto. Biología de Organismos y Sistemas, Universidad de Oviedo, and Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Biodiversidad (CSIC-Uo-PA), C/Catedrático Rodrigo Uría s/n, E-33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Marcos Miñarro
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Apdo.13, E-33300, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - Berta Martín-López
- Faculty of Sustainability, Institute for Ethics and Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research, Leuphana University, Universitätsallee 1, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
|
24
|
Delibes-Mateos M. Wolf Media Coverage in the Region of Castilla y León (Spain): Variations over Time and in Two Contrasting Socio-Ecological Settings. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040736. [PMID: 32340236 PMCID: PMC7222702 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Wolf management is often controversial, because this carnivore is viewed by some as a major threat for livestock, while others perceive it as a flagship for environmental conservation. Attitudes towards the wolf can be influenced by how the media portrays this canid, and media analysis can therefore be a useful tool for understanding and managing conflicts over wolf management. My aim was to study wolf media coverage in a newspaper in northern Spain, how it varied over the period 2006–2017, and in two different socio-ecological settings. Most documents focused on the conflictive relationship between the wolf and livestock, particularly in the south of the study area, where the carnivore is protected and has recolonised new localities, causing increasing damage to livestock. In the north, where wolves have been present for a long time and are a game species, wolf media coverage was more diverse and addressed other topics such as wolf conservation or hunting more frequently. In conclusion, this study suggests that the media often portrays the wolf as a risk for livestock and thus for human livelihood in northern Spain, which could have a significant influence on public attitudes towards the species and potentially compromise coexistence between wolves and humans. Abstract People’s attitudes towards large carnivores, and thus public support for their conservation, can be influenced by how these species are framed in the media. Therefore, assessing media coverage of large carnivores is of particular interest for their coexistence with humans. I used content analysis to assess how the grey wolf was portrayed in a newspaper in northern Spain, how wolf media coverage varied over time (2006–2017), and in two different socio-ecological settings. Most documents addressed the conflictive relationship between the wolf and livestock (60%; n = 902). Moreover, coverage of this relationship increased over the study period in the south of the study area, where the wolf is strictly protected, has recolonised new localities, and damage to livestock has increased. Overall, other topics, such as wolf conservation or hunting, appeared much less frequently in the media, but predominated in the north of the study area, where the wolf is more abundant and huntable. Conflictive issues like wolf-livestock interactions are generally attractive for audiences, but drawing attention to this issue may compromise the management of conflicts associated with wolves. Ideally, the media should promote potential wolf conservation values if coexistence between wolves and humans is sought.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Delibes-Mateos
- Instituto de Estudios Sociales Avanzados (IESA-CSIC), Campo Santo de los Mártires 7, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
|
26
|
Arbieu U, Albrecht J, Mehring M, Bunnefeld N, Reinhardt I, Mueller T. The positive experience of encountering wolves in the wild. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Arbieu
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Jörg Albrecht
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Marion Mehring
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre Frankfurt am Main Germany
- Institute for Social‐Ecological Research Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Nils Bunnefeld
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural SciencesUniversity of Stirling Stirling UK
| | - Ilka Reinhardt
- Lupus Institute for Wolf Monitoring and Research Spreewitz Germany
- Department of Biological SciencesGoethe University Frankfurt Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre Frankfurt am Main Germany
- Department of Biological SciencesGoethe University Frankfurt Frankfurt am Main Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Baynham-Herd Z, Redpath S, Bunnefeld N, Keane A. Predicting intervention priorities for wildlife conflicts. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:232-243. [PMID: 31237026 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in developing effective interventions to manage socially and environmentally damaging conservation conflicts. There are a variety of intervention strategies that can be applied in various contexts, but the reasons one type of intervention is chosen over another remain underexplored. We surveyed conservation researchers and practitioners (n = 427) to explore how characteristics of conflicts and characteristics of decision makers influence recommendations to alleviate conservation conflict. Using a full-factorial design, we experimentally manipulated 3 aspects of the descriptions of 8 different wildlife-conflict scenarios (development status of the conflict country, conflict framing, and legality of killing wild animals) and recorded which of 5 intervention types (wildlife impact reduction, awareness, enforcement, economic incentives, or stakeholder engagement) respondents prioritized. We also recorded information on respondents' demographic and disciplinary backgrounds. Stakeholder-based interventions were recommended most often in the survey and in written feedback. However, when we fitted multinomial mixed logit models with fully completed scenario responses (n = 411), recommendations were influenced by small changes in the details of conflict and differed according to respondent characteristics. Enforcement and awareness interventions were prioritized relatively more for conflicts in more highly developed nations and by respondents with more natural science backgrounds and relatively less experience with conflict. Contrastingly, economic interventions were prioritized more when wildlife killing was described as illegal. Age, gender, and development status of the respondent's home country also predicted some intervention decisions. Further, interrogating the influences shaping conservation decision making will further helps in the development of evidence-informed interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve Redpath
- School of Biological Sciences, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, U.K
| | - Nils Bunnefeld
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4JE, U.K
| | - Aidan Keane
- University of Edinburgh-School of GeoSciences Crew Building The King's Buildings, Alexander Crum Brown Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Treves A, Krofel M, Ohrens O, van Eeden LM. Predator Control Needs a Standard of Unbiased Randomized Experiments With Cross-Over Design. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
29
|
Turner JW, LaFleur RM, Richardson AT, Holekamp KE. Risk‐taking in free‐living spotted hyenas is associated with anthropogenic disturbance, predicts survivorship, and is consistent across experimental contexts. Ethology 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie W. Turner
- Department of Integrative Biology Michigan State University East Lansing MI
- Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Michigan State University East Lansing MI
- Department of Biology Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s NL Canada
| | - Rebecca M. LaFleur
- Department of Integrative Biology Michigan State University East Lansing MI
| | | | - Kay E. Holekamp
- Department of Integrative Biology Michigan State University East Lansing MI
- Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Michigan State University East Lansing MI
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ambarlı H. Analysis of wolf–human conflicts: implications for damage mitigation measures. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1320-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
31
|
Killion AK, Melvin T, Lindquist E, Carter NH. Tracking a half century of media reporting on gray wolves. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:645-654. [PMID: 30259575 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural resource and wildlife managers must balance the disparate priorities of a diversity of stakeholders. To manage these priorities, a firm understanding of topics salient to the public is needed. The media often report on issues of importance to the public; therefore, these reports may be a useful measure of public interest. However, efficient methods for distinguishing diverse topics related to a wildlife management issue reported in the media and changes in the salience of those topics have been lacking. We used latent Dirichlet allocation, a Bayesian mixture model, to quantitatively assess the salience of topics surrounding the gray wolf (Canis lupus), which was reintroduced to Idaho (U.S.A.) in 1995. We analyzed articles published from 1960 to 2015 in an Idaho newspaper. We identified 6 distinct topics associated with gray wolves: policy, hunting, biological status, implementation of management, recovery, and human-wolf conflict. The salience of topics pre- and postreintroduction of wolves (1995) and pre- and postdelisting of wolves from the U.S. Endangered Species Act (2009) differed significantly, underscoring that these events were turning points in how issues were being publicly discussed and framed. Articles written by the local reporters were more likely to report on topics regarding conflict between humans and wolves, whereas articles sourced from a national outlet reported more on topics pertaining to wolf policy and biological status. In the context of managing a contentious, far-ranging, and long-lived wildlife species, our methods can help guide the location and timing of a suite of management strategies (e.g., media relation plans and stakeholder engagement) that promote human-wildlife coexistence across different landscapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K Killion
- Boise State University, Human-Environment Systems, 1295 University Drive, Boise, ID, 83725, U.S.A
- Boise State University, Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID, 83725, U.S.A
| | - Tracy Melvin
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, 480 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, U.S.A
| | - Eric Lindquist
- Boise State University, School of Public Service, 1295 University Drive, Boise, ID, 83725, U.S.A
| | - Neil H Carter
- Boise State University, Human-Environment Systems, 1295 University Drive, Boise, ID, 83725, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Tanner E, White A, Acevedo P, Balseiro A, Marcos J, Gortázar C. Wolves contribute to disease control in a multi-host system. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7940. [PMID: 31138835 PMCID: PMC6538665 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44148-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We combine model results with field data for a system of wolves (Canis lupus) that prey on wild boar (Sus scrofa), a wildlife reservoir of tuberculosis, to examine how predation may contribute to disease control in multi-host systems. Results show that predation can lead to a marked reduction in the prevalence of infection without leading to a reduction in host population density since mortality due to predation can be compensated by a reduction in disease induced mortality. A key finding therefore is that a population that harbours a virulent infection can be regulated at a similar density by disease at high prevalence or by predation at low prevalence. Predators may therefore provide a key ecosystem service which should be recognised when considering human-carnivore conflicts and the conservation and re-establishment of carnivore populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Tanner
- Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Department of Mathematics, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - A White
- Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Department of Mathematics, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - P Acevedo
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - A Balseiro
- SERIDA, Gobierno del Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
- Animal Health Department, University of León, León, Spain
| | - J Marcos
- Gobierno del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - C Gortázar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Underlying social attitudes towards conservation of threatened carnivores in human-dominated landscapes. ORYX 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605318000832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractCarnivore conservation depends on people's willingness to implement management practices to reduce threats to carnivores and mitigate conflicts between carnivores and domestic animals. We assessed the willingness of rural communities in central-southern Chile to (1) conserve carnivores, and (2) adopt management practices to reduce predation of domestic animals, a key factor triggering carnivore–human conflicts in rural areas. The study focused on five carnivores: the chilla Lycalopex griseus, the culpeo Lycalopex culpaeus, Darwin's fox Lycalopex fulvipes, the guiña or kodkod Leopardus guigna, and the puma Puma concolor. We found that rural communities perceived that threats towards carnivores rarely occurr in their region, contrary to the literature on this subject; people's attitudes differed depending on the carnivore; and people were willing to adopt management practices to help conserve carnivores (e.g. overnight protection of domestic animals and investment in infrastructure for henhouses and cowsheds), except leashing dogs. The willingness to conserve carnivores and adopt practices that would help do so may be associated with how these measures affect people's well-being. Although rural communities would like carnivores to be conserved, this cannot be achieved unless some pivotal practices, such as management of domestic dogs, are adopted by these communities. For successful biodiversity conservation outcomes in human-dominated landscapes, the social incentives necessary for rural communities to adopt appropriate management practices must be identified and implemented.
Collapse
|
34
|
Knight AR. How can the social sciences work with ecology in informing feral horse policy and management in south‐eastern Australia? ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
35
|
Anthony BP, Tarr K. The wolves are back! Local attitudes towards the recently re-populated grey wolf and wolf management in Bükk National Park, Hungary. ACTA ZOOL ACAD SCI H 2019. [DOI: 10.17109/azh.65.2.195.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
36
|
Naves J, Ordiz A, Fernández-Gil A, Penteriani V, Delgado MDM, López-Bao JV, Revilla E, Delibes M. Patterns of brown bear damages on apiaries and management recommendations in the Cantabrian Mountains, Spain. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206733. [PMID: 30485290 PMCID: PMC6261554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Large carnivores are often persecuted due to conflict with human activities, making their conservation in human-modified landscapes very challenging. Conflict-related scenarios are increasing worldwide, due to the expansion of human activities or to the recovery of carnivore populations. In general, brown bears Ursus arctos avoid humans and their settlements, but they may use some areas close to people or human infrastructures. Bear damages in human-modified landscapes may be related to the availability of food resources of human origin, such as beehives. However, the association of damage events with factors that may predispose bears to cause damages has rarely been investigated. We investigated bear damages to apiaries in the Cantabrian Mountains (Spain), an area with relatively high density of bears. We included spatial, temporal and environmental factors and damage prevention measures in our analyses, as factors that may influence the occurrence and intensity of damages. In 2006-2008, we located 61 apiaries, which included 435 beehives damaged in the study area (346 km2). The probability of an apiary being attacked was positively related to both the intensity of the damage suffered the year before and the distance to the nearest damaged apiary, and negatively related to the number of prevention measures employed as well as the intensity of the damage suffered by the nearest damage apiary. The intensity of damage to apiaries was positively related to the size of the apiary and to vegetation cover in the surroundings, and negatively related to the number of human settlements. Minimizing the occurrence of bear damages to apiaries seems feasible by applying and maintaining proper prevention measures, especially before an attack occurs and selecting appropriate locations for beehives (e.g. away from forest areas). This applies to areas currently occupied by bears, and to neighbouring areas where dispersing individuals may expand their range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Naves
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Seville, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrés Ordiz
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | | - Vincenzo Penteriani
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB, UO-CSIC-PA), Oviedo University—Campus Mieres, Mieres, Spain
- Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (IPE), CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María del Mar Delgado
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB, UO-CSIC-PA), Oviedo University—Campus Mieres, Mieres, Spain
| | - José Vicente López-Bao
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB, UO-CSIC-PA), Oviedo University—Campus Mieres, Mieres, Spain
| | - Eloy Revilla
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel Delibes
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Grilo C, Lucas PM, Fernández‐Gil A, Seara M, Costa G, Roque S, Rio‐Maior H, Nakamura M, Álvares F, Petrucci‐Fonseca F, Revilla E. Refuge as major habitat driver for wolf presence in human‐modified landscapes. Anim Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Grilo
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC) Sevilla España
| | - P. M. Lucas
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC) Sevilla España
- Department of Wildlife Conservation Institute of Nature Conservation PAS Kraków Poland
| | - A. Fernández‐Gil
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC) Sevilla España
| | - M. Seara
- CE3C – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande Lisbon Portugal
| | - G. Costa
- Grupo Lobo Departamento de Biologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Edifício C2 Campo Grande Lisbon Portugal
- Bioinsight – Environmental Services Odivelas Portugal
| | - S. Roque
- CE3C – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande Lisbon Portugal
- Grupo Lobo Departamento de Biologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Edifício C2 Campo Grande Lisbon Portugal
| | - H. Rio‐Maior
- CIBIO/InBIO Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências Universidade do Porto Porto Portugal
| | - M. Nakamura
- CIBIO/InBIO Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
| | - F. Álvares
- CIBIO/InBIO Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
| | - F. Petrucci‐Fonseca
- CE3C – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande Lisbon Portugal
- Grupo Lobo Departamento de Biologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Edifício C2 Campo Grande Lisbon Portugal
| | - E. Revilla
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC) Sevilla España
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Støen OG, Ordiz A, Sahlén V, Arnemo JM, Sæbø S, Mattsing G, Kristofferson M, Brunberg S, Kindberg J, Swenson JE. Brown bear (Ursus arctos) attacks resulting in human casualties in Scandinavia 1977-2016; management implications and recommendations. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196876. [PMID: 29791471 PMCID: PMC5965840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human persecution and habitat loss have endangered large carnivore populations worldwide, but some are recovering, exacerbating old conflicts. Carnivores can injure and kill people; the most dramatic form of wildlife-human conflict. In Scandinavia, the brown bear (Ursus arctos) population increased from ~500 bears in 1977 to ~3300 in 2008, with an increase in injuries, fatalities, and public fear of bear attacks. We reviewed media coverage and interviewed victims to explore how bear population trends, hunter education, and other factors may have influenced the number of injuries and fatalities in Scandinavia from 1977 to 2016. We found 42 incidents with 42 injuries and 2 fatalities; 42 were adult men, one was an adult woman conducting forestry work, and one was a boy skiing off-piste. Thirty-three adult men were hunting bears, moose, or small game, often with a hunting dog, and 26 had shot at the bear at 8±11 m before injury. Eleven nonhunters were conducting forestry work, inspecting a hunting area, picking berries, tending livestock, hiking, harassing a denned bear, and one person was killed outside his house at night. Eight of the 11 incidents of nonhunters involved female bears with cubs; three of these family groups were in dens and two were on carcasses. The annual number of hunters injured/killed was mostly influenced by the increase in the bear population size. The pattern was similar regarding injuries/fatalities to other outdoor users, but the relation with the bear population size was weaker than for hunters, and the null model was equally supported. Bear physiology at denning may make encounters with bears more risky in the fall, when bears show prehibernation behavior. Awareness and education efforts, especially among hunters, seem important to ensure human safety. Recreationists and forestry workers should avoid dense vegetation or make noise to warn bears of their presence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ole-Gunnar Støen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway.,Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Andrés Ordiz
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Veronica Sahlén
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.,The Norwegian Environment Agency, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jon M Arnemo
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | - Solve Sæbø
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | | | | - Sven Brunberg
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jonas Kindberg
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden.,Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management, Öster Malma, Sweden
| | - Jon E Swenson
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway.,Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Suutarinen J, Kojola I. One way or another: predictors of wolf poaching in a legally harvested wolf population. Anim Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - I. Kojola
- Natural Resources Institute Finland; Rovaniemi Finland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Plumer L, Talvi T, Männil P, Saarma U. Assessing the roles of wolves and dogs in livestock predation with suggestions for mitigating human–wildlife conflict and conservation of wolves. CONSERV GENET 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-017-1045-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
41
|
González JA, Carvalho AM, Vallejo JR, Amich F. Plant-based remedies for wolf bites and rituals against wolves in the Iberian Peninsula: Therapeutic opportunities and cultural values for the conservation of biocultural diversity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 209:124-139. [PMID: 28755969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Combined approaches to local knowledge and folk plant use improve awareness and promote effective strategies for the conservation of significant biocultural patrimony. Moreover, the information reported might be the basis for further appropriate phytochemical and pharmacological research. Therefore we provide an insight into traditional herbal remedies and practices for healing bite injuries in humans and domestic animals caused by the Iberian wolf. Wolf bites are associated with inflammatory processes and rabies is a potential complication AIMS: This paper describes and summarises the medicinal-veterinary empirical and ritual uses of the Iberian flora for wolf injuries and reviews the ethnopharmacological data of specific plants that are already published. The Iberian wolf is a critically endangered subspecies of the grey wolf. Livestock attacks attributed to wolves are increasingly frequent in the Iberian Peninsula, resulting in serious social problems. Interesting strategies for Iberian wolf conservation might be related to traditional grazing practices that are deeply linked with empirical knowledge and local practices passed on by oral tradition, which are also vulnerable now. MATERIALS AND METHODS Based on documentary sources from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present, we systematically searched old monographs, regional documents, technical papers, project reports, as well as the international and national databases and the available scientific literature, without restrictions regarding the language of the publications consulted. RESULTS A total of 39 remedies for healing wolf bite injuries in humans and domestic animals was reported, highlighting the medicinal use of 33 species of vascular plants, mostly wild herbs, belonging to 18 botanical families. The use of wood ashes was also reported. The number of use-reports found represents a very high number considering similar European studies. Leaves were the predominant plant part mentioned. Boiling plant materials in water for topical uses was the most frequent method of preparation found. Some traditional remedies combined two or more plant species in order to potentiate their effects. Moreover, some plant-based traditional practices and rituals to ward off wolves and to prevent wolf attacks were also documented. In these practices eleven other species (belonging to seven more families) were used. CONCLUSIONS Despite the decline of the Iberian wolf over the last few decades, wolves are still in the imaginary of rural communities that perceive this large carnivore as both a diabolic creature and a mythic and benign animal. Wolf-related cultural heritage is of great interest in terms of conservation strategies. This review emphasises the importance of local knowledge and provides useful information about several potential sources of phytochemicals and their claimed therapeutic effects, aiming at contributing to the conservation and appreciation of the Iberian biocultural heritage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José A González
- Grupo de Investigación de Recursos Etnobiológicos del Duero-Douro (GRIRED), Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca E-37071, Spain.
| | - Ana Maria Carvalho
- Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), School of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Campus Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal.
| | - José Ramón Vallejo
- Área de Didáctica de Ciencias Experimentales, Equipo de Historia de la Ciencia y Antropología de la Salud,Salud, Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, E-06006, Spain.
| | - Francisco Amich
- Grupo de Investigación de Recursos Etnobiológicos del Duero-Douro (GRIRED), Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca E-37071, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Behr DM, Ozgul A, Cozzi G. Combining human acceptance and habitat suitability in a unified socio-ecological suitability model: a case study of the wolf in Switzerland. J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dominik M. Behr
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies; Zurich University; Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Arpat Ozgul
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies; Zurich University; Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Cozzi
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies; Zurich University; Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zürich Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Morini P, Pinchera FP, Nucci LM, Ferlini F, Cecala S, Di Nino O, Penteriani V. Brown bears in Central Italy: a 15-year study on bear occurrence. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1261190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P. Morini
- Sirente Velino Natural Regional Park, Italy
| | | | | | - F. Ferlini
- Sirente Velino Natural Regional Park, Italy
| | - S. Cecala
- Sirente Velino Natural Regional Park, Italy
| | - O. Di Nino
- Sirente Velino Natural Regional Park, Italy
| | - V. Penteriani
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Spain
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB, UO-CSIC-PA), Oviedo University - Campus Mieres, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Hindrikson M, Remm J, Pilot M, Godinho R, Stronen AV, Baltrūnaité L, Czarnomska SD, Leonard JA, Randi E, Nowak C, Åkesson M, López-Bao JV, Álvares F, Llaneza L, Echegaray J, Vilà C, Ozolins J, Rungis D, Aspi J, Paule L, Skrbinšek T, Saarma U. Wolf population genetics in Europe: a systematic review, meta-analysis and suggestions for conservation and management. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:1601-1629. [PMID: 27682639 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is an iconic large carnivore that has increasingly been recognized as an apex predator with intrinsic value and a keystone species. However, wolves have also long represented a primary source of human-carnivore conflict, which has led to long-term persecution of wolves, resulting in a significant decrease in their numbers, genetic diversity and gene flow between populations. For more effective protection and management of wolf populations in Europe, robust scientific evidence is crucial. This review serves as an analytical summary of the main findings from wolf population genetic studies in Europe, covering major studies from the 'pre-genomic era' and the first insights of the 'genomics era'. We analyse, summarize and discuss findings derived from analyses of three compartments of the mammalian genome with different inheritance modes: maternal (mitochondrial DNA), paternal (Y chromosome) and biparental [autosomal microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)]. To describe large-scale trends and patterns of genetic variation in European wolf populations, we conducted a meta-analysis based on the results of previous microsatellite studies and also included new data, covering all 19 European countries for which wolf genetic information is available: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Belarus, Russia, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Spain and Portugal. We compared different indices of genetic diversity in wolf populations and found a significant spatial trend in heterozygosity across Europe from south-west (lowest genetic diversity) to north-east (highest). The range of spatial autocorrelation calculated on the basis of three characteristics of genetic diversity was 650-850 km, suggesting that the genetic diversity of a given wolf population can be influenced by populations up to 850 km away. As an important outcome of this synthesis, we discuss the most pressing issues threatening wolf populations in Europe, highlight important gaps in current knowledge, suggest solutions to overcome these limitations, and provide recommendations for science-based wolf conservation and management at regional and Europe-wide scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maris Hindrikson
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Vanemuise 46, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jaanus Remm
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Vanemuise 46, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Malgorzata Pilot
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, LN6 7DL, Lincoln, UK
| | - Raquel Godinho
- CIBIO/InBio - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Astrid Vik Stronen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Section of Biology and Environmental Science, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, DK-9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Laima Baltrūnaité
- Laboratory of Mammalian Biology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Sylwia D Czarnomska
- Mammal Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Waszkiewicza 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Jennifer A Leonard
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avd. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Ettore Randi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Section of Biology and Environmental Science, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, DK-9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
- Laboratorio di Genetica, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carsten Nowak
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystrasse 12, 63571, Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Mikael Åkesson
- Department of Ecology, Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-730 91, Riddarhyttan, Sweden
| | | | - Francisco Álvares
- CIBIO/InBio - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Luis Llaneza
- ARENA Asesores en Recursos Naturales S.L. c/Perpetuo Socorro, n° 12 Entlo 2B, 27003, Lugo, Spain
| | - Jorge Echegaray
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avd. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Carles Vilà
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avd. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Janis Ozolins
- Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava", Rigas iela 111, LV-2169, Salaspils, Latvia
| | - Dainis Rungis
- Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava", Rigas iela 111, LV-2169, Salaspils, Latvia
| | - Jouni Aspi
- Department of Genetics and Physiology, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ladislav Paule
- Department of Phytology, Faculty of Forestry, Technical University, T.G. Masaryk str. 24, SK-96053, Zvolen, Slovakia
| | - Tomaž Skrbinšek
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Vecna pot 111, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urmas Saarma
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Vanemuise 46, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ecology of conflict: marine food supply affects human-wildlife interactions on land. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25936. [PMID: 27185189 PMCID: PMC4869031 DOI: 10.1038/srep25936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflicts impose considerable costs to people and wildlife worldwide. Most research focuses on proximate causes, offering limited generalizable understanding of ultimate drivers. We tested three competing hypotheses (problem individuals, regional population saturation, limited food supply) that relate to underlying processes of human-grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) conflict, using data from British Columbia, Canada, between 1960–2014. We found most support for the limited food supply hypothesis: in bear populations that feed on spawning salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), the annual number of bears/km2 killed due to conflicts with humans increased by an average of 20% (6–32% [95% CI]) for each 50% decrease in annual salmon biomass. Furthermore, we found that across all bear populations (with or without access to salmon), 81% of attacks on humans and 82% of conflict kills occurred after the approximate onset of hyperphagia (July 1st), a period of intense caloric demand. Contrary to practices by many management agencies, conflict frequency was not reduced by hunting or removal of problem individuals. Our finding that a marine resource affects terrestrial conflict suggests that evidence-based policy for reducing harm to wildlife and humans requires not only insight into ultimate drivers of conflict, but also management that spans ecosystem and jurisdictional boundaries.
Collapse
|