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Simasiku IN, Temu BJ, Nyamoga GZ. Assessment of conflicts under human-wildlife interactions: An application of the conservation conflict transformation model in communities adjacent to Nyerere National Park, Tanzania. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175890. [PMID: 39216762 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Conflicts arising from human-wildlife interactions (HWIs) pose a significant challenge in communities neighboring Nyerere National Park. To achieve long-term conservation success, it is critical to understand and resolve complex social conflicts. Currently, most attention is focused on addressing dispute-related conflicts, whereas underlying, and identity-based conflicts are understudied, resulting in inadequate information in literature regarding underlying and identity-based conflicts that drive social conflicts. Through the use of the Conservation Conflict Transformation Model (CCT), this study aimed to identify existing conflicts across three levels of conflict and assess current intervention strategies employed within the study area. Based on data collected from 324 respondents through questionnaire surveys, the study revealed that the dispute level of conflicts was lower than the underlying and identity-based levels of conflicts, emphasizing the limited scope of addressing conflicts solely at the dispute level within the context of conflicts arising from HWIs. To alleviate conflicts at the dispute level, respondents employed both lethal and non-lethal control techniques, with a preference for non-lethal methods. Additionally, socio-demographic factors including age, gender, household size, respondent's attitude towards wildlife, and residence significantly influenced the implementation of intervention strategies (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the findings revealed that respondents faced several challenges, including a lengthy incident reporting process for conflicts arising from HWIs, lack of consolation payment for damages, exclusionary practices, and lack of transparency in seeking assistance from local, wildlife, and government authorities. Overall, the study recommends adopting and implementing a holistic approach aligned with the CCT model to effectively address conflicts under HWIs. Future research should focus on thorough case studies and actual applications of the CCT model to manage conflicts under HWIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Nanvula Simasiku
- Department of Forest and Environmental Economics, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. BOX 3011, Morogoro, Tanzania.
| | - Beatus John Temu
- Department of Forest and Environmental Economics, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. BOX 3011, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Greyson Zabron Nyamoga
- Department of Forest and Environmental Economics, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. BOX 3011, Morogoro, Tanzania
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Jansson I, Parsons AW, Singh NJ, Faust L, Kissui BM, Mjingo EE, Sandström C, Spong G. Coexistence from a lion's perspective: Movements and habitat selection by African lions (Panthera leo) across a multi-use landscape. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0311178. [PMID: 39361578 PMCID: PMC11449311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Diminishing wild space and population fragmentation are key drivers of large carnivore declines worldwide. The persistence of large carnivores in fragmented landscapes often depends on the ability of individuals to move between separated subpopulations for genetic exchange and recovery from stochastic events. Where separated by anthropogenic landscapes, subpopulations' connectivity hinges on the area's socio-ecological conditions for coexistence and dispersing individuals' behavioral choices. Using GPS-collars and resource- and step-selection functions, we explored African lion (Panthera leo) habitat selection and movement patterns to better understand lions' behavioral adjustments in a landscape shared with pastoralists. We conducted our study in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania, a multiuse rangeland, that connects the small, high density lion subpopulation of the Ngorongoro Crater with the extensive Serengeti lion population. Landscape use by pastoralists and their livestock in the NCA varies seasonally, driven by the availability of pasture, water, and disease avoidance. The most important factor for lion habitat selection was the amount of vegetation cover, but its importance varied with the distance to human settlements, season and time of day. Although we noted high levels of individual variation in tolerance for humans, in general lions avoided humans on the landscape and used more cover when closer to humans. Females showed more consistent avoidance of humans and stronger use of cover when near humans than did males. Connectivity of lion subpopulations does not appear to be blocked by sparse pastoralist settlements, and nomadic males, key to subpopulation connectivity, significantly avoided humans during the day, suggesting a behavioral strategy for conflict mitigation. These results are consistent with lions balancing risk from humans with exploitation of livestock by altering their behaviors to reduce potential conflict. Our study lends some optimism for the adaptive capacity of lions to promote coexistence with humans in shared landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingela Jansson
- Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
- KopeLion, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Arielle W. Parsons
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Navinder J. Singh
- Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lisa Faust
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Göran Spong
- Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
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3
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Soofi M, Ghasemi B, Ahmadpour M, Soufi M, Islami I, Eckert A, Arabi MHG, Qashqaei AT, Selyari J, Nasirahmadi K, Kamp J, Waltert M, Addison J, Pavey CR. Application of the integrated threat theory to conservation law enforcement. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14248. [PMID: 38477229 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14248] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Interactions between law enforcement agents in conservation (e.g., rangers) and illegal resource users (e.g., illegal hunters) can be violent and sometimes fatal, which negatively affects conservation efforts and people's well-being. Models from social psychology, such as integrated threat theory (ITT) (intergroup interactions shape intergroup emotions, prejudices and perceived threats leading to hostile attitudes or behaviors between groups), are useful in addressing such interactions. Conservation approaches relying mainly on law enforcement have never been investigated using this framework. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected data from 282 rangers in protected and unprotected areas (n = 50) in northern Iran. We applied Bayesian structural equation modeling in an assessment of rangers' affective attitudes (i.e., emotions or feelings that shape attitudes toward a person or object) toward illegal hunters in an ITT framework. Rangers' positive perceptions of illegal hunters were negatively associated with intergroup anxiety (emotional response to fear) and negative stereotypes about a hunter's personality, which mediated the relationship between negative contact and affective attitudes. This suggests that negative contact, such as verbal abuse, may lead rangers to perceive illegal hunters as arrogant or cruel, which likely forms a basis for perceived threats. Rangers' positive contact with illegal hunters, such as playing or working together, likely lowered their perceived realistic threats (i.e., fear of property damage). Perceived realistic threats of rangers were positively associated with negative contacts (e.g., physical harm). The associations we identified suggest that relationships based on positive interactions between rangers and illegal hunters can reduce fear and prejudice. Thus, we suggest that rangers and hunters be provided with safe spaces to have positive interactions, which may help lower tension and develop cooperative conservation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Soofi
- Department of Conservation Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Geography Department, Humboldt-University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- CSIRO Land and Water, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Benjamin Ghasemi
- Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Mohsen Ahmadpour
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
- Research Center for the Caspian Region, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Mobin Soufi
- Hyrcanian Institute of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecotourism, Kalaleh, Totli-Tamak, Iran
| | - Iman Islami
- Department of Rangeland Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Noor, Iran
| | - Alaina Eckert
- Department of Conservation Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mohammad Hossein Gorjian Arabi
- Research Center for the Caspian Region, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | | | - Javad Selyari
- Faculty of Natural Resource and Environment, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
- Iran Department of Environment, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Nasirahmadi
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Mazandaran, Behshahr, Iran
| | - Johannes Kamp
- Department of Conservation Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Waltert
- Department of Conservation Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jane Addison
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris R Pavey
- Department of Conservation Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- CSIRO Land and Water, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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Sgroi G, D'Alessio N, Vada R, Ferroglio E, Vicente J, Veneziano V. The contribution of citizen science in the surveillance of wildlife and related arthropods. Parasitology 2023; 150:1089-1095. [PMID: 37929599 PMCID: PMC10801373 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and anthropogenic factors may significantly affect the diffusion of wild animals, enhancing the interface of human–wildlife interactions and driving the spread of pathogens and vector-borne diseases between animals and humans. However, in the last decade, the involvement of citizens in scientific research (the so-called citizen science approach, henceforth abbreviated as CS) provided a network of large-scale and cost-effective surveillance programmes of wildlife populations and their related arthropod species. Therefore, this review aims to illustrate different methods and tools used in CS studies, by arguing the main advantages and considering the limitations of this approach. The CS approach has proven to be an effective method for establishing density and distribution of several wild animal species, in urban, peri-urban and rural environments, as well a source of information regarding vector–host associations between arthropods and wildlife. Extensive efforts are recommended to motivate citizens to be involved in scientific projects to improve both their and our knowledge of the ecology and diseases of wildlife. Following the One Health paradigm, collaborative and multidisciplinary models for the surveillance of wildlife and related arthropod species should be further developed by harnessing the potentiality of the CS approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
- Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio, Naples, Italy
| | - Rachele Vada
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Joaquin Vicente
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio, Naples, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Re-Thinking Felid–Human Entanglements through the Lenses of Compassionate Conservation and Multispecies Studies. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12212996. [PMID: 36359119 PMCID: PMC9655180 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Felids have long and complex historical associations with humans, ranging from fear and persecution to worship and care. With many felid species in widespread decline, re-thinking the messy entanglements of feline predators and human societies is a necessary step for fostering coexistence as current conservation frameworks that rely on the separation of people from nature are failing felids. Here, we explore two distinct but related interdisciplinary fields that, when put into dialogue with one another, offer novel perspectives and insights on felid–human relationships and conservation initiatives more broadly. We identified numerous similarities and emergent properties within compassionate conservation and multispecies studies, despite these fields arising from the sciences and social sciences and humanities respectively. Combined, reorientation of conservation values and practices to be morally inclusive of individual animals and their subjective experiences has the potential to support cohabitation and tolerance for felids, promoting multispecies flourishing. Abstract With many felid species in widespread decline, re-thinking the messy felid–human entanglements is a necessary step for fostering coexistence as current conservation frameworks centered on human exceptionalism and widespread violence toward wild animals are conspicuously failing felids. This paper argues for fostering a critical awareness of how we understand our relationships with nonhuman animals, particularly in the context of conservation. We bring two distinct but related interdisciplinary fields into a dialogue to critically question the values and conceptual assumptions that frame the practices of felid conservation today. Compassionate conservation and multispecies studies share many synergies and conceptual overlaps despite emerging from different academic domains. We identified four key areas for further exploration: (1) A shift in emphasis from practices of killing to the underlying assumptions that make forms of killing permissible and ethically unproblematic. (2) Re-engagement with individuals, not just species, in conservation settings. (3) Unsettling human exceptionalism through an emphasis on the agency of animals and an ethic involving compassion. (4) Acknowledging the ways in which humans co-become with other animals and cultivating relationships of multispecies cohabitation and flourishing.
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Brittain S, Rowcliffe MJ, Kentatchime F, Tudge SJ, Kamogne‐Tagne CT, Milner‐Gulland E. Comparing interview methods with camera trap data to inform occupancy models of hunted mammals in forest habitats. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Brittain
- Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London London UK
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7
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Exploratory dispersal movements by young tigers in Thailand’s Western Forest Complex: the challenges of securing a territory. MAMMAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-021-00602-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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8
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Citizens, Scientists, and Enablers: A Tripartite Model for Citizen Science Projects. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13070309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we focus on different roles in citizen science projects, and their respective relationships. We propose a tripartite model that recognises not only citizens and scientists, but also an important third role, which we call the ‘enabler’. In doing so, we acknowledge that additional expertise and skillsets are often present in citizen science projects, but are frequently overlooked in associated literature. We interrogate this model by applying it to three case studies and explore how the success and sustainability of a citizen science project requires all roles to be acknowledged and interacting appropriately. In this era of ‘wicked problems’, the nature of science and science communication has become more complex. In order to address critical emerging issues, a greater number of stakeholders are engaging in multi-party partnerships and research is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary. Within this context, explicitly acknowledging the role and motivations of everyone involved can provide a framework for enhanced project transparency, delivery, evaluation and impact. By adapting our understanding of citizen science to better recognise the complexity of the organisational systems within which they operate, we propose an opportunity to strengthen the collaborative delivery of both valuable scientific research and public engagement.
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9
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A Systematic Literature Review on the Participation Aspects of Environmental and Nature-Based Citizen Science Initiatives. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13137457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
It is commonly argued that, despite the tremendous resonance Citizen Science (CS) has shown in recent years, there is still lack of understanding of important aspects defining citizens’ participation and engagement in CS initiatives. While CS initiatives could provide a vehicle to foster forms of participation contributing to the democratization of science, there is still limited attention paid to the “Citizen” component of the Citizen Science term. For the purpose of this work, we systematically reviewed the available literature for empirical studies in respect to citizens’ participation in environmental and nature-based CS initiatives established during the last two decades, using the PRISMA methodology. The participatory facet of the retrieved 119 CS initiatives was analysed on the basis of: (a) exclusion and inclusion demographic factors, (b) CS models and practices, (c) facilitators and constraints of citizen’s participation, and (d) environmental citizenship. Our findings show that the majority of the CS initiatives did not place restrictions on gender participation; however, we have identified that mostly highly educated adults participated in the reviewed initiatives. In addition, most of the CS initiatives reported in the literature were situated in the EU and USA, were mostly limited to the local scale, and primarily followed the contributory model. Academic institutions were found to coordinate the majority of the CS initiatives examined. By using digital technologies, academic scientists were able to control and increase data quality, as well as to engage a broader audience, even though they were mostly treating volunteers as “data collectors”, desiring their long-term engagement. Therefore, it will be of CS benefit to be better aligned with the mentality and needs of citizens. In this direction CS initiatives should trigger citizens’ learning gains and interpersonal/social benefits and personal, environmental, and social motivations, but also to shift their goals towards contributing to science and citizens’ connection with nature. On the other hand, there is a need to overcome any design and implementation barriers, and to enhance democratization through a more participative engagement of active and aware citizens, thus promoting environmental citizenship.
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Tengö M, Austin BJ, Danielsen F, Fernández-Llamazares Á. Creating Synergies between Citizen Science and Indigenous and Local Knowledge. Bioscience 2021; 71:503-518. [PMID: 33986633 PMCID: PMC8106996 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Citizen science (CS) is receiving increasing attention as a conduit for Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) in ecosystem stewardship and conservation. Drawing on field experience and scientific literature, we explore the connection between CS and ILK and demonstrate approaches for how CS can generate useful knowledge while at the same time strengthening ILK systems. CS invites laypersons to contribute observations, perspectives, and interpretations feeding into scientific knowledge systems. In contrast, ILK can be understood as knowledge systems in its own right, with practices and institutions to craft legitimate and useful knowledge. Such fundamental differences in how knowledge is generated, interpreted, and applied need to be acknowledged and understood for successful outcomes. Engaging with complementary knowledge systems using a multiple evidence base approach can improve the legitimacy of CS initiatives, strengthen collaborations through ethical and reciprocal relationships with ILK holders, and contribute to better stewardship of ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tengö
- Stockholm University and senior advisor, SwedBio, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Beau J Austin
- Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Finn Danielsen
- Nordic Foundation for Development and Ecology, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Torrents-Ticó M, Fernández-Llamazares Á, Burgas D, Cabeza M. Convergences and divergences between scientific and Indigenous and Local Knowledge contribute to inform carnivore conservation. AMBIO 2021; 50:990-1002. [PMID: 33438166 PMCID: PMC8035381 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01443-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing recognition that diverse knowledge systems can work in mutually enriching ways and that Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) can enhance biodiversity conservation. However, studies using scientific knowledge and ILK in a complementary manner, and acknowledging convergent and especially divergent insights have remained limited. In this study, we contrasted proxies of abundances and trends of threatened and conflict-prone carnivores (caracal, cheetah, jackal, lion, leopard, spotted hyaena, striped hyaena) derived separately from scientific knowledge and ILK. We conducted camera trapping, track surveys and semi-structured interviews with local pastoralists from northern Kenya. We found convergences highlighting the need for conservation action and divergences suggesting scientific ecological sampling limitations or underlying socio-psychological phenomena. Overall, our study shows that complementing scientific knowledge and ILK as separate sources of information and opening up space for discrepancies can enrich our understanding of the status and trends of carnivores, as well as recognizing human-carnivore relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Torrents-Ticó
- Global Change and Conservation (GCC), Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 4, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares
- Global Change and Conservation (GCC), Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 4, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniel Burgas
- Global Change and Conservation (GCC), Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Mar Cabeza
- Global Change and Conservation (GCC), Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 4, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Mbise FP, Jackson CR, Lyamuya R, Fyumagwa R, Ranke PS, Røskaft E. Do carnivore surveys match reports of carnivore presence by pastoralists? A case of the eastern Serengeti ecosystem. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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13
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Sousa R, Nogueira JG, Miranda F, Teixeira A. Time travelling through local ecological knowledge regarding an endangered species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 739:140047. [PMID: 32540670 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
European freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) populations are declining despite a growing effort to conserve them. Here we used a combination of local ecological knowledge (LEK) and field sampling to assess past and current distribution and conservation status of this endangered species in Cávado and Neiva Rivers (Portugal). We performed face-to-face interviews in both rivers and sampled the entire area where the respondents confirmed the historical presence of this species. Abiotic characterization, water quality and fish diversity were also assessed in both rivers. We found that freshwater pearl mussels are now possibly extinct in Cávado River but almost 50% of the respondents confirm its presence in the past, especially elders that lived in villages near its historical distribution. To the contrary, and although the species is still present in Neiva River, only 3.8% of the respondents remembered its presence in the past. In both rivers, respondents suggested pollution as the most important explanation for the freshwater pearl mussels decline. However, nowadays both rivers present excellent water quality and trout Salmo trutta (the freshwater pearl mussel fish host) is still abundant. Since we identified the areas where the species was present in a recent past, this information is vital for possible management actions with the aim of re-introduce or increase the abundance of M. margaritifera populations and/or for the rehabilitation of habitats in both rivers. We also highlight the vital importance of getting LEK, mainly from elders, in order to avoid shifting baseline syndromes and to get qualitative accurate information of past references and/or experience with historical conditions. Results reported here reinforce concern about the conservation status of freshwater pearl mussel populations in Portugal and can be used to guide future research and management initiatives to better conserve this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronaldo Sousa
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Joana Garrido Nogueira
- CIBIO/InBIO - Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Fernando Miranda
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Amílcar Teixeira
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
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Naude VN, Balme GA, Rogan MS, Needham MD, Whittington‐Jones G, Dickerson T, Mabaso X, Nattrass N, Bishop JM, Hunter L, O'Riain MJ. Longitudinal assessment of illegal leopard skin use in ceremonial regalia and acceptance of
faux
alternatives among followers of the Shembe Church, South Africa. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent N. Naude
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
- Panthera New York USA
| | | | - Matt S. Rogan
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
- Panthera New York USA
| | - Mark D. Needham
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon USA
| | | | | | - Xolani Mabaso
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Nicoli Nattrass
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Jacqueline M. Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Luke Hunter
- Wildlife Conservation Society New York New York USA
| | - M. Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
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15
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Henschel P, Petracca LS, Ferreira SM, Ekwanga S, Ryan SD, Frank LG. Census and distribution of large carnivores in the Tsavo national parks, a critical east African wildlife corridor. Afr J Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Steven Dennis Ryan
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Cairns Qld Australia
| | - Laurence G. Frank
- Living with Lions Mpala Research Centre Nanyuki Kenya
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology University of California Berkeley CA USA
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Corridors of tolerance through human-dominated landscapes facilitate dispersal and connectivity between populations of African lions Panthera leo. ORYX 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605319000656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractGlobally, little is known about the dispersal abilities of carnivores, their survival in non-protected areas, and the connectivity between protected and non-protected populations. More than a decade of sighting data for 496 known African lions Panthera leo, with 189 individuals engaging in dispersing activities plus an exchange of cross-site information, has provided unique insight into connectivity and survival in unprotected and protected areas in Kenya. In particular, three individuals, across two generations residing solely in unprotected landscapes, demonstrated connectivity between three protected areas that, to our knowledge, have not previously been recognized as harbouring connected populations. These observations suggest that unprotected areas and the human communities that reside in them may successfully create corridors of tolerance that facilitate connectivity and the long-term persistence of lion populations, both within and outside protected areas.
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Fernández-Llamazares Á, Western D, Galvin KA, McElwee P, Cabeza M. Historical shifts in local attitudes towards wildlife by Maasai pastoralists of the Amboseli Ecosystem (Kenya): Insights from three conservation psychology theories. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2019.125763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Armstrong EE, Taylor RW, Miller DE, Kaelin CB, Barsh GS, Hadly EA, Petrov D. Long live the king: chromosome-level assembly of the lion (Panthera leo) using linked-read, Hi-C, and long-read data. BMC Biol 2020; 18:3. [PMID: 31915011 PMCID: PMC6950864 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-019-0734-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lion (Panthera leo) is one of the most popular and iconic feline species on the planet, yet in spite of its popularity, the last century has seen massive declines for lion populations worldwide. Genomic resources for endangered species represent an important way forward for the field of conservation, enabling high-resolution studies of demography, disease, and population dynamics. Here, we present a chromosome-level assembly from a captive African lion from the Exotic Feline Rescue Center (Center Point, IN) as a resource for current and subsequent genetic work of the sole social species of the Panthera clade. RESULTS Our assembly is composed of 10x Genomics Chromium data, Dovetail Hi-C, and Oxford Nanopore long-read data. Synteny is highly conserved between the lion, other Panthera genomes, and the domestic cat. We find variability in the length of runs of homozygosity across lion genomes, indicating contrasting histories of recent and possibly intense inbreeding and bottleneck events. Demographic analyses reveal similar ancient histories across all individuals during the Pleistocene except the Asiatic lion, which shows a more rapid decline in population size. We show a substantial influence on the reference genome choice in the inference of demographic history and heterozygosity. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that the choice of reference genome is important when comparing heterozygosity estimates across species and those inferred from different references should not be compared to each other. In addition, estimates of heterozygosity or the amount or length of runs of homozygosity should not be taken as reflective of a species, as these can differ substantially among individuals. This high-quality genome will greatly aid in the continuing research and conservation efforts for the lion, which is rapidly moving towards becoming a species in danger of extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan W Taylor
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- End2EndGenomics, LLC, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Danny E Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital and The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher B Kaelin
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gregory S Barsh
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Dmitri Petrov
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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19
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Sustainable agriculture: Recognizing the potential of conflict as a positive driver for transformative change. ADV ECOL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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20
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Mulder MB, Kwiyega JL, Beccaria S, Bwasama SS, Fitzherbert E, Genda P, Caro T. Lions, Bylaws, and Conservation Metrics. Bioscience 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biz114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
African lions are a significant threat to pastoralists, triggering both retaliatory and nonretaliatory killings that represent a high-profile example of human–wildlife conflict. In the present article, we report on a grassroots campaign to reduce such conflict by shifting agropastoralists’ attitudes toward lion killing and the central role of bylaws in its apparent success. Insofar as all of East Africa's principal protected areas still harboring lions are surrounded by pastoralist populations, the vast majority of which persecute lions, this novel strategy is of considerable wide-scale and practical significance. We report on an estimated 59%–69% reduction in the number of lions killed since the implementation of bylaws and use our experiences to highlight the need for fresh dialog among project managers, conservation organizations, and their funders in crafting appropriate conservation success metrics. In the context of human–wildlife conflict, changes in peoples’ norms and attitudes are of greater significance over the long term than simplistic tabulations of the number of individuals saved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Borgerhoff Mulder
- Department of Anthropology at the University of California, Davis, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig
| | | | - Simone Beccaria
- WASIMA, Mpanda Tanzania
- United Nations Volunteers Programme, in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Sylvester Sadock Bwasama
- WASIMA, Mpanda Tanzania
- Frankfurt Zoological Society, Serengeti Ecosystem Management, Fort Ikoma, Serengeti Region, Tanzania
| | - Emily Fitzherbert
- WASIMA, Mpanda Tanzania
- WildCru Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, United Kingdom and with the Sedbergh School, Sedbergh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Genda
- WASIMA, Mpanda Tanzania
- Ruaha–Katavi Landscape Program of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Iringa, Tanzania
| | - Tim Caro
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Davis, and the School of Biological Sciences, the University of Bristol
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21
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Sampling strategies for species with high breeding-site fidelity: A case study in burrow-nesting seabirds. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221625. [PMID: 31454375 PMCID: PMC6711508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sampling approaches used to census and monitor populations of flora and fauna are diverse, ranging from simple random sampling to complex hierarchal stratified designs. Usually the approach taken is determined by the spatial and temporal distribution of the study population, along with other characteristics of the focal species. Long-term monitoring programs used to assess seabird population trends are facilitated by their high site fidelity, but are often hampered by large and difficult to access colonies, with highly variable densities that require intensive survey. We aimed to determine the sampling effort required to (a) estimate population size with a high degree of confidence, and (b) detect different scenarios of population change in a regionally important species in the Atlantic, the Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus). Analyses were carried out using data collected from tape-playback surveys on four islands in the North Atlantic. To explore how sampling effort influenced confidence around abundance estimates, we used the heuristic approach of imagining the areas sampled represented the total population, and bootstrapped varying proportions of subsamples. This revealed that abundance estimates vary dramatically when less than half of all plots (n dependent on the size of the site) is randomly subsampled, leading to an unacceptable lack of confidence in population estimates. Confidence is substantially improved using a multi-stage stratified approach based on previous information on distribution in the colonies. In reality, this could lead to reducing the number of plots required by up to 80%. Furthermore, power analyses suggested that random selection of monitoring plots using a matched pairs approach generates little power to detect overall population changes of 10%, and density-dependent changes as large as 50%, because variation in density between plots is so high. Current monitoring programs have a high probability of failing to detect population-level changes due to inappropriate sampling efforts. Focusing sampling in areas of high density with low plot to plot variance dramatically increases the power to detect year to year population change, albeit at the risk of not detecting increases in low density areas, which may be an unavoidable strategy when resources are limited. We discuss how challenging populations with similar features to seabirds might be censused and monitored most effectively.
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22
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Identifying Shared Strategies and Solutions to the Human–Giant Tortoise Interactions in Santa Cruz, Galapagos: A Nominal Group Technique Application. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11102937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Conservation conflicts in protected areas are varied and context-specific, but the resulting effects are often similar, leading to important losses for both humans and wildlife. Several methods and approaches have been used to mitigate conservation conflicts, with an increasing emphasis on understanding the human–human dimension of the conflict. In this article, we present a revision of several conservation conflict cases in the management of protected areas, transdisciplinary and participatory approaches to address conservation conflicts, and finalize by illustrating the application of the nominal group technique (NGT) with the case of the human–giant tortoise interactions in Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. In this article, we demonstrate the use of novel and systematic participatory and deliberative methodology that is able to engage stakeholders in a constructive dialogue to jointly identify and explore options for shared strategies and solutions to conservation conflicts. The results are comparable with other conservation conflicts cases around the world and illustrate the importance of generating legitimatized information that will further help policy and decision-making actions to address conservation conflicts in the management of protected areas.
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Abade L, Cusack J, Moll RJ, Strampelli P, Dickman AJ, Macdonald DW, Montgomery RA. Spatial variation in leopard (Panthera pardus) site use across a gradient of anthropogenic pressure in Tanzania's Ruaha landscape. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204370. [PMID: 30304040 PMCID: PMC6179245 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding large carnivore occurrence patterns in anthropogenic landscapes adjacent to protected areas is central to developing actions for species conservation in an increasingly human-dominated world. Among large carnivores, leopards (Panthera pardus) are the most widely distributed felid. Leopards occupying anthropogenic landscapes frequently come into conflict with humans, which often results in leopard mortality. Leopards' use of anthropogenic landscapes, and their frequent involvement with conflict, make them an insightful species for understanding the determinants of carnivore occurrence across human-dominated habitats. We evaluated the spatial variation in leopard site use across a multiple-use landscape in Tanzania's Ruaha landscape. Our study region encompassed i) Ruaha National Park, where human activities were restricted and sport hunting was prohibited; ii) the Pawaga-Idodi Wildlife Management Area, where wildlife sport hunting, wildlife poaching, and illegal pastoralism all occurred at relatively low levels; and iii) surrounding village lands where carnivores and other wildlife were frequently exposed to human-carnivore conflict related-killings and agricultural habitat conversion and development. We investigated leopard occurrence across the study region via an extensive camera trapping network. We estimated site use as a function of environmental (i.e. habitat and anthropogenic) variables using occupancy models within a Bayesian framework. We observed a steady decline in leopard site use with downgrading protected area status from the national park to the Wildlife Management Area and village lands. Our findings suggest that human-related activities such as increased livestock presence and proximity to human households exerted stronger influence than prey availability on leopard site use, and were the major limiting factors of leopard distribution across the gradient of human pressure, especially in the village lands outside Ruaha National Park. Overall, our study provides valuable information about the determinants of spatial distribution of leopards in human-dominated landscapes that can help inform conservation strategies in the borderlands adjacent to protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Abade
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Abingdon, United Kingdom
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Remington J. Moll
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Paolo Strampelli
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Amy J. Dickman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A. Montgomery
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, Abingdon, United Kingdom
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
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Evangelista PH, Mohamed AM, Hussein IA, Saied AH, Mohammed AH, Young NE. Integrating indigenous local knowledge and species distribution modeling to detect wildlife in Somaliland. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul H. Evangelista
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory; Colorado State University; B254 NESB Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
| | - Ahmed M. Mohamed
- Wildlife Department; Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; Sha'ab Area, Road No. 1 Hargeisa Somaliland
| | - Ibraham A. Hussein
- Wildlife Department; Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; Sha'ab Area, Road No. 1 Hargeisa Somaliland
| | - Abdinasir H. Saied
- Wildlife Department; Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; Sha'ab Area, Road No. 1 Hargeisa Somaliland
| | - Abdikadir H. Mohammed
- Wildlife Department; Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; Sha'ab Area, Road No. 1 Hargeisa Somaliland
| | - Nicholas E. Young
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory; Colorado State University; B254 NESB Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
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25
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Molinari-Jobin A, Kéry M, Marboutin E, Marucco F, Zimmermann F, Molinari P, Frick H, Fuxjäger C, Wölfl S, Bled F, Breitenmoser-Würsten C, Kos I, Wölfl M, Černe R, Müller O, Breitenmoser U. Mapping range dynamics from opportunistic data: spatiotemporal modelling of the lynx distribution in the Alps over 21 years. Anim Conserv 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Kéry
- Swiss Ornithological Institute; Sempach Switzerland
| | | | - F. Marucco
- Centro Conservazione e Gestione Grandi Carnivori; Cuneo Italy
| | | | | | - H. Frick
- Office of Environment; Vaduz Liechtenstein
| | | | - S. Wölfl
- Lynx Project Bavaria; Lam Germany
| | - F. Bled
- Carnivore Ecology Laboratory; Mississippi State University; Mississippi State MS USA
| | | | - I. Kos
- University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - M. Wölfl
- Bavarian Agency of Environment; Hof Germany
| | - R. Černe
- Slovenia Forest Service; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - O. Müller
- Office of Environment; Vaduz Liechtenstein
| | - U. Breitenmoser
- Center for Fish and Wildlife Health; University of Berne; Bern Switzerland
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26
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Tredick CA, Lewison RL, Deutschman DH, Hunt TANN, Gordon KL, Von Hendy P. A Rubric to Evaluate Citizen-Science Programs for Long-Term Ecological Monitoring. Bioscience 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/bix090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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27
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Hazzah L, Bath A, Dolrenry S, Dickman A, Frank L. From Attitudes to Actions: Predictors of Lion Killing by Maasai Warriors. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170796. [PMID: 28135338 PMCID: PMC5279730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite legal protection, deliberate killing by local people is one of the major threats to the conservation of lions and other large carnivores in Africa. Addressing this problem poses particular challenges, mainly because it is difficult to uncover illicit behavior. This article examined two groups of Maasai warriors: individuals who have killed African lions (Panthera leo) and those who have not. We conducted interviews to explore the relationship between attitudes, intentions and known lion killing behavior. Factor analysis and logistic regression revealed that lion killing was mainly determined by: (a) general attitudes toward lions, (b) engagement in traditional customs, (c) lion killing intentions to defend property, and (d) socio-cultural killing intentions. Our results indicated that general attitudes toward lions were the strongest predictor of lion killing behavior. Influencing attitudes to encourage pro-conservation behavior may help reduce killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leela Hazzah
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States of America
- Living with Lions, Nanyuki, Kenya
- * E-mail:
| | - Alistair Bath
- Memorial University, Human Dimensions in Wildlife Management, Department of Geography, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Stephanie Dolrenry
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States of America
- Living with Lions, Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - Amy Dickman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Tubney, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence Frank
- Living with Lions, Nanyuki, Kenya
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California Berkeley, United States of America
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28
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Dillon J, Stevenson RB, Wals AEJ. Introduction. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2016; 30:450-5. [PMID: 27153527 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Dillon
- Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol, 35 Berkeley Square, Bristol, BS8 1JA, United Kingdom
| | - Robert B Stevenson
- The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, P.O. Box 6811, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia
| | - Arjen E J Wals
- Education & Competence Studies, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Faculty of Education, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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