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Macdonald DW. Mitigating Human Impacts on Wild Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2906. [PMID: 37760306 PMCID: PMC10525650 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human activities negatively impact the welfare of wild vertebrates in many different contexts globally, and countless individual animals are affected. Growing concern for wild animal welfare, especially in relation to conservation, is evident. While research on wild animal welfare lags behind that focused on captive animals, minimising human-induced harm to wild animals is a key principle. This study examines examples of negative anthropogenic impacts on wild animal welfare, how these may be mitigated and what further research is required, including examples from wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, wildlife tourism and wildlife trade. Further, it discusses the relationship between animal welfare and biodiversity conservation, and synergies that may be achieved between these. Ultimately, it is discussed how the welfare of wild animals may be balanced with other priorities to ensure that welfare is afforded due consideration in interactions between people and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Macdonald
- The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney OX13 5QL, UK
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Schou JS, Bladt J, Ejrnæs R, Thomsen MN, Vedel SE, Fløjgaard C. Economic assessment of rewilding versus agri-environmental nature management. AMBIO 2021; 50:1047-1057. [PMID: 33191487 PMCID: PMC8035355 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01423-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Policies aiming at improving biodiversity often consist of costly agri-environmental schemes, i.e. subsidized grazing or mowing of semi-natural areas. However, these practices have widely been found to be insufficient to mitigate biodiversity loss. Rewilding, i.e. restoring natural processes in self-sustaining biodiverse ecosystems, has been proposed as an alternative and is hypothesized to be a more cost-efficient approach to promote biodiversity conservation. Rewilding requires the availability of large natural areas which are not allocated for farming, forestry, and infrastructure to avoid potential conflicts over the use of the area. We perform an ex-ante private cost-benefit analysis of the establishment of four large nature reserves for rewilding in Denmark. We analyse the economic effects of changing from summer grazing in nature areas in combination with cultivated fields and forestry to the establishment of nature reserves in four case areas. We consider two scenarios involving conversion of agriculture and forestry areas into natural areas in combination with either extensive year-round cattle grazing or rewilding with wild large herbivores. In two case areas, it appears possible to establish large nature areas without incurring extra costs. Additionally, rewilding further reduces costs compared to year-round cattle grazing. Two opposing effects were dominant: increased economic rent occurred from the shift from summer grazing to year-round grazing or rewilding, while cessation of agriculture and forestry caused opportunity costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Sølver Schou
- Institute of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 25, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jesper Bladt
- Institute for Bioscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Ejrnæs
- Institute for Bioscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
| | | | | | - Camilla Fløjgaard
- Institute for Bioscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
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Park HB, Woo D, Choi TY, Hong S. Assessment of the Behavioural Response of Korean Water Deer ( Hydropotes inermis argyropus) to Different Fence Heights. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11040938. [PMID: 33810250 PMCID: PMC8067234 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The present study aimed to investigate the success rate of fences and classify the behavioural responses of Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) to different fence heights. The dominant behaviours before the deer crossed the fences by performing vertical and running jumps were recession and rest when the fence heights were lower or higher than 1.2 m, respectively. The general threshold (fence height) for discriminating success or failure was 0.9 m; however, we recommend a fence height of 1.5 m, considering the cost and roadkill risk. Placing exit pathways for deer and eliminating possible resting areas outside fences are essential for reducing the number of successful jump attempts. Abstract Fences have been widely implemented to reduce the risk of wildlife–vehicle collisions, wildlife disease spread, and crop damage. To manufacture fences, it is imperative to assess the behavioural responses of the target species. Here, we investigated the success rate of fences and classified eight behavioural responses of Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) to different fence heights. We explored the association of 801 behavioural responses and defined a threshold based on 40 events by applying non-metric multidimensional scaling and a binary logistic generalised linear mixed model. With fences lower and higher than 1.2 m, recession and rest were the dominant behaviours, respectively, before the deer crossed the fences by performing vertical and running jumps. Considering all independent events, 0.9 m was the marginal threshold, with highly variable outliers over this value. Placing exit pathways for deer and eliminating possible resting areas outside fences are essential for reducing the number of successful jump attempts. The optimal fence height could differ based on conditional factors; however, we recommend a height of 1.5 m considering the cost and roadkill risk. In conclusion, exploring and classifying the behavioural responses of the target species may be critical for establishing appropriate fence protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Bok Park
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang-gun 36531, Korea;
| | - Donggul Woo
- Division of Ecological Conservation, National Institute of Ecology, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea;
| | - Tae Young Choi
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang-gun 36531, Korea;
- Correspondence: (T.Y.C.); (S.H.); Tel.: +82-54-680-7210 (T.Y.C.); +82-10-3159-0428 (S.H.); Fax: +82-54-530-1959 (S.H.)
| | - Sungwon Hong
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea
- Department of Horse, Companion, and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea
- Correspondence: (T.Y.C.); (S.H.); Tel.: +82-54-680-7210 (T.Y.C.); +82-10-3159-0428 (S.H.); Fax: +82-54-530-1959 (S.H.)
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Laskin DN, Watt D, Whittington J, Heuer K. Designing a fence that enables free passage of wildlife while containing reintroduced bison: a multispecies evaluation. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dillon Watt
- D. Watt (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8873-5460)
| | | | - Karsten Heuer
- K. Heuer (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9847-5116), Parks Canada, Banff National Park, Box 900, Banff, AB, T1L 1K2, Canada
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Sandom CJ, Middleton O, Lundgren E, Rowan J, Schowanek SD, Svenning JC, Faurby S. Trophic rewilding presents regionally specific opportunities for mitigating climate change. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190125. [PMID: 31983340 PMCID: PMC7017765 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-bodied mammalian herbivores can influence processes that exacerbate or mitigate climate change. Herbivore impacts are, in turn, influenced by predators that place top-down forcing on prey species within a given body size range. Here, we explore how the functional composition of terrestrial large-herbivore and -carnivore guilds varies between three mammal distribution scenarios: Present-Natural, Current-Day and Extant-Native Trophic (ENT) Rewilding. Considering the effects of herbivore species weakly influenced by top-down forcing, we quantify the relative influence keystone large-herbivore guilds have on methane emissions, woody vegetation expansion, fire dynamics, large-seed dispersal, and nitrogen and phosphorus transport potential. We find strong regional differences in the number of herbivores under weak top-down regulation between our three scenarios, with important implications for how they will influence climate change relevant processes. Under the Present-Natural non-ruminant, megaherbivore, browsers were a particularly important guild across much of the world. Megaherbivore extinction and range contraction and the arrival of livestock mean large, ruminant, grazers have become more dominant. ENT Rewilding can restore the Afrotropics and the Indo-Malay realm to the Present-Natural benchmark, but causes top-down forcing of the largest herbivores to become commonplace elsewhere. ENT Rewilding will reduce methane emissions, but does not maximize natural climate solution potential. This article is part of the theme issue 'Climate change and ecosystems: threats, opportunities and solutions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Sandom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
- Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP), University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Owen Middleton
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Erick Lundgren
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
| | - John Rowan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Simon D. Schowanek
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Søren Faurby
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, SE 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Box 461, SE 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
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Schweiger AH, Svenning J. Analogous losses of large animals and trees, socio‐ecological consequences, and an integrative framework for rewilding‐based megabiota restoration. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H. Schweiger
- Plant Ecology Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER) University of Bayreuth Bayreuth Germany
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE) Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity Department of Bioscience Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Jens‐Christian Svenning
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE) Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity Department of Bioscience Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
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Sweeney OF, Turnbull J, Jones M, Letnic M, Newsome TM, Sharp A. An Australian perspective on rewilding. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:812-820. [PMID: 30693968 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13280] [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: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Rewilding is increasingly recognized as a conservation tool but is often context specific, which inhibits broad application. Rewilding in Australia seeks to enhance ecosystem function and promote self-sustaining ecosystems. An absence of large-bodied native herbivores means trophic rewilding in mainland Australia has focused on the restoration of functions provided by apex predators and small mammals. Because of the pervasive influence of introduced mesopredators, predator-proof fences, and establishment of populations on predator-free islands are common rewilding approaches. This sets Australian rewilding apart from most jurisdictions and provides globally relevant insights but presents challenges to restoring function to broader landscapes. Passive rewilding is of limited utility in arid zones. Although increasing habitat extent and quality in mesic coastal areas may work, it will likely be necessary to undertake active management. Because much of Australia's population is in urban areas, rewilding efforts must include urban areas to maximize effectiveness. Thus rewilding is not synonymous with wilderness and can occur over multiple scales. Rewilding efforts must recognize human effects on other species and benefit both nature and humans. Rewilding in Australia requires development of a shared vision and strategy and proof-of-concept projects to demonstrate the benefits. The repackaging of existing conservation activities as rewilding may confuse and undermine the success of rewilding programs and should be avoided. As elsewhere, rewilding in Australia should be viewed as an important conservation tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oisín F Sweeney
- National Parks Association of New South Wales, Pyrmont, NSW, 2009, Australia
| | - John Turnbull
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Menna Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Thomas M Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Andy Sharp
- Natural Resources Northern and Yorke, Clare, SA, 5453, Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES)Department of BiosciencesUniversity of Oslo Oslo Norway
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