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Hoffmann CF, Pilfold NW, Ruppert KA, Letoluai A, Lenguya L, Limo I, Montgomery RA. The Integral Nature of Encounter Rate in Predicting Livestock Depredation Risk. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.808043] [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
Carnivore depredation of livestock is one of the primary drivers of human-carnivore conflict globally, threatening the well-being of livestock owners, and fueling large carnivore population declines. Interventions designed to reduce carnivore depredation typically center around predictions of depredation risk. However, these spatial risk models tend to be informed by data depicting the number of livestock attacked by carnivores. Importantly, such models omit key stages in the predation sequence which are required to predict predation risk, or in this case depredation risk. Applying the classic predation risk model defined by Lima and Dill demonstrates that depredation risk is dependent upon quantifying the rates at which carnivores encounter livestock before attacking. However, encounter rate is challenging to estimate, necessitating novel data collection systems. We developed and applied such a system to quantify carnivore-livestock encounters at livestock corrals (i.e., bomas) across a 9-month period in Central Kenya. Concurrently, we monitored the number of livestock attacked by carnivores at these bomas. We calculated carnivore-livestock encounter rates, attack rates, and depredation risk at the boma. We detected 1,383 instances in which carnivores encountered livestock at the bomas. However, we only recorded seven attacks. We found that the encounter rate and attack rate for spotted hyenas were almost six and three times higher than that for any other species, respectively. Consequently, spotted hyenas posed the greatest depredation risk for livestock at the boma. We argue that better understanding of carnivore-livestock encounter rates is necessary for effective prediction and mitigation of carnivore depredation of livestock.
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Montgomery RA, Raupp J, Mukhwana M, Greenleaf A, Mudumba T, Muruthi P. The efficacy of interventions to protect crops from raiding elephants. AMBIO 2022; 51:716-727. [PMID: 34173175 PMCID: PMC8800974 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01587-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Both African elephants (Loxodonta spp.) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) across their range come into conflict with people because of their crop-raiding behavior, which presents profound impediments to farmer livelihoods. In response, a series of interventions, designed to reduce elephant crop raiding have been applied. Based on an extensive review of elephant crop-raiding studies published over a 31-year period, we identified four primary categories of interventions including: (i) detection efforts; (ii) preemptive measures; (iii) fencing and trenches; and (iv) deterrent techniques. The interventions reported to be most effective involved chili peppers (i.e., fences, spray, and briquettes) and crop guarding coupled with deterrents. The extent to which these interventions can be applied more widely is unclear as only two studies examined efficacy across sites in more than one country. Thus, future inquiry should evaluate the ability of effective interventions, or indeed a combination of interventions, to be applied across the range of elephants to reduce crop raiding at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Montgomery
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Oxon OX13 5QL UK
| | - Jamie Raupp
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey (RECaP) Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Methodius Mukhwana
- African Wildlife Foundation, Uganda Office, Plot 9 Bukoto Crescent, Naguru, P.O. Box 37346, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ashley Greenleaf
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey (RECaP) Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Tutilo Mudumba
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey (RECaP) Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Philip Muruthi
- African Wildlife Foundation, Headquarters, Ngong Road, Karen, P.O. Box 310, 00502 Nairobi, Kenya
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Montgomery RA, Pointer AM, Jingo S, Kasozi H, Ogada M, Mudumba T. OUP accepted manuscript. Bioscience 2022; 72:549-559. [PMID: 35677291 PMCID: PMC9169897 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biac008] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Because biodiversity loss has largely been attributed to human actions, people, particularly those in the Global South, are regularly depicted as threats to conservation. This context has facilitated rapid growth in green militarization, with fierce crackdowns against real or perceived environmental offenders. We designed an undergraduate course to assess student perspectives on biodiversity conservation and social justice and positioned those students to contribute to a human heritage-centered conservation (HHCC) initiative situated in Uganda. We evaluated changes in perspectives using pre- and postcourse surveys and reflection instruments. Although the students started the course prioritizing biodiversity conservation, even when it was costly to human well-being, by the end of the course, they were recognizing and remarking on the central importance of social justice within conservation. We present a framework for further integration of HHCC approaches into higher education courses so as to conserve the integrity of coupled human and natural systems globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sophia Jingo
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Herbert Kasozi
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | | | - Tutilo Mudumba
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
- Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Sargent R, Deere NJ, McGowan PJ, Bunnefeld N, Pfeifer M. Room to roam for African lions
Panthera leo
: a review of the key drivers of lion habitat use and implications for conservation. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sargent
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Ridley Building 2 Newcastle upon TyneNE1 7RUUK
| | - Nicolas J. Deere
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Marlowe Building CanterburyCT2 7NRUK
| | - Philip J.K. McGowan
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Ridley Building 2 Newcastle upon TyneNE1 7RUUK
| | - Nils Bunnefeld
- Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Stirling StirlingFK9 4LAUK
| | - Marion Pfeifer
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Ridley Building 2 Newcastle upon TyneNE1 7RUUK
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Williams ST, Williams KS, Constant N, Swanepoel L, Taylor PJ, Belmain SR, Evans SW. Low‐intensity environmental education can enhance perceptions of culturally taboo wildlife. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samual T. Williams
- Department of Zoology School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences University of Venda Thohoyandou South Africa
- Department of Anthropology Durham University Durham UK
| | | | - Natasha Constant
- South African Research Chair on Biodiversity Value & Change University of Venda Thohoyandou South Africa
- Sustainable Places Research Institute Cardiff University Cardiff UK
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Centre for Conservation Science, The Lodge, Sandy Bedfordshire UK
| | - Lourens Swanepoel
- Department of Zoology School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences University of Venda Thohoyandou South Africa
| | - Peter J. Taylor
- South African Research Chair on Biodiversity Value & Change University of Venda Thohoyandou South Africa
- School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal Westville South Africa
| | - Steven R. Belmain
- Natural Resources Institute University of Greenwich Chatham Maritime UK
| | - Steven W. Evans
- Southern Cape Conservation Organisation Oudtshoorn South Africa
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Moll RJ, Killion AK, Hayward MW, Montgomery RA. A Framework for the Eltonian Niche of Humans. Bioscience 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Recent research has highlighted several influential roles that humans play in ecosystems, including that of a superpredator, hyperkeystone species, and niche constructor. This work has begun to describe the Eltonian niche of humans, which encompasses humanity's cumulative ecological and evolutionary roles in trophic systems. However, we lack a unifying framework that brings together these strands of research, links them to ecoevolutionary and sociocultural theory, and identifies current research needs. In this article, we present such a framework in hope of facilitating a more holistic approach to operationalizing human roles in trophic systems across an increasingly anthropogenic biosphere. The framework underscores how humans play numerous nuanced roles in trophic systems, from top-down to bottom-up, that entail not only pernicious effects but also benefits for many nonhuman species. Such a nuanced view of the Eltonian niche of humans is important for understanding complex social–ecological system functioning and enacting effective policies and conservation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remington J Moll
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States
| | - Alexander K Killion
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Matt W Hayward
- Conservation Biology Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Mammal Research Centre, University of Pretoria, Tshwane, South Africa, and with the Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Robert A Montgomery
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney, United Kingdom
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Whitehouse-Tedd K, Abell J, Dunn AK. Evaluation of the use of psychometric scales in human-wildlife interaction research to determine attitudes and tolerance toward wildlife. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:533-547. [PMID: 32710456 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Studies evaluating human-wildlife interactions (HWIs) in a conservation context often include psychometric scales to measure attitudes and tolerance toward wildlife. However, data quality is at risk when such scales are used without appropriate validation or reliability testing, potentially leading to erroneous interpretation or application of findings. We used 2 online databases (ProQuest Psych Info and Web of Science) to identify published HWI studies that included attitude and tolerance. We analyzed these studies to determine the methods used to measure attitudes or tolerance toward predators and other wildlife; determine the proportion of these methods applying psychometric scales; and evaluate the rigor with which the scales were used by examining whether the psychometric properties of validity and reliability were reported. From 2007 to 2017, 114 published studies were identified. Ninety-four (82%) used questionnaires and many of these (53 [56%]) utilized a psychometric scale. Most scales (39 [74%]) had at least 1 test of reliability reported, but reliance on a single test was notable, contrary to recommended practice. Fewer studies (35 [66%]) reported a test of validity, but this was primarily restricted to structural validity rather than more comprehensive testing. Encouragingly, HWI investigators increasingly utilized the necessary psychometric tools for designing and analyzing questionnaire data, but failure to assess the validity or reliability of psychometric scales used in over one-third of published HWI attitude research warrants attention. We advocate incorporation of more robust application of psychometric scales to advance understanding of stakeholder attitudes as they relate to HWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Whitehouse-Tedd
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0QF, U.K
| | - J Abell
- Research Centre for Agroecology, Water & Resilience, Coventry University, Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry, West Midlands, CV8 3LG, U.K
| | - A K Dunn
- School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU, U.K
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Abstract
AbstractWe use comparable 2005 and 2018 population data to assess threats driving the decline of lion Panthera leo populations, and review information on threats structured by problem tree and root cause analysis. We define 11 threats and rank their severity and prevalence. Two threats emerged as affecting both the number of lion populations and numbers within them: livestock depredation leading to retaliatory killing of lions, and bushmeat poaching leading to prey depletion. Our data do not allow determination of whether any specific threat drives declines faster than others. Of 20 local extirpations, most were associated with armed conflicts as a driver of proximate threats. We discuss the prevalence and severity of proximate threats and their drivers, to identify priorities for more effective conservation of lions, other carnivores and their prey.
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Montgomery RA, Borona K, Kasozi H, Mudumba T, Ogada M. Positioning human heritage at the center of conservation practice. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:1122-1130. [PMID: 32045032 PMCID: PMC7540558 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Conservation projects subscribing to a community-based paradigm have predominated in the 21st century. We examined the context in which the phrase was coined and traced its growth over time. Community-based conservation first appeared in the literature in the early 1990s; but grew little until after the 5th World Parks Congress in 2003. Thereafter, publications describing community-based conservation approaches increased exponentially. The conference theme was Benefits Beyond Boundaries, and its goal was to provide an economic model based on revenue accrued from conservation fundraising and ecotourism to support ecosystems, wildlife, and people, particularly in the Global South. Such models tended not to incorporate, as a core principle, the heritage of local human communities. Human heritage varies substantially over time and space making generalization of conservation principles across scales challenging. Pitfalls that have grown out of the community-based conservation approaches in the Global South include fortress conservation, conservation militarism, consumptive and nonconsumptive ecotourism, and whiz-bang solutions. We propose 10 tenets in a human heritage-centered conservation framework (e.g., engage in conservation practices using local languages, thoughtfully propose and apply solutions consistent with human heritage, provide clear professional development pathways for individuals from local communities, and promote alternative revenue-generating programs centered in local communities, among others). Progressive philosophies can derive from authentic and ethical integration of local communities in conservation practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Montgomery
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeMichigan State University480 Wilson Road, 13 Natural Resources BuildingEast LansingMI48824U.S.A.
| | - Kendi Borona
- School for Field StudiesCentre for Wildlife Management StudiesP.O. Box 27743‐00506NairobiKenya
| | - Herbert Kasozi
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeMichigan State University480 Wilson Road, 13 Natural Resources BuildingEast LansingMI48824U.S.A.
| | - Tutilo Mudumba
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeMichigan State University480 Wilson Road, 13 Natural Resources BuildingEast LansingMI48824U.S.A.
| | - Mordecai Ogada
- Conservation Solutions AfrikaMuthaiga Estate P.O. Box 880–10400NanyukiKenya
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Srivathsa A, Sharma S, Oli MK. Every dog has its prey: Range-wide assessment of links between diet patterns, livestock depredation and human interactions for an endangered carnivore. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 714:136798. [PMID: 31986391 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Livestock depredation is the most ubiquitous type of negative interaction between humans and carnivores. We conducted a range-wide assessment linking diet patterns of the endangered dhole Cuon alpinus, with livestock consumption and human-dhole interactions. We first performed a reanalysis of dhole diet data from all published studies (1973-2013) incorporating a recently-developed non-linear correction factor for quantifying prey biomass consumed. We then determined the relative livestock numbers consumed by dholes over time across its range, compared these with earlier estimates, and investigated the relative importance of wild vs. non-wild prey in dhole diet. Using information from >70 studies, we explored links between livestock consumption by dholes, availability of wild versus non-wild prey, sympatric depredation-prone carnivores, and people's perception of dholes as livestock predators. We found that (a) dhole diet profiles varied regionally, (b) dholes consumed fewer livestock compared to estimates generated using other, widely used methods, (c) livestock consumption by dholes was associated with wild and non-wild prey densities, and number of co-predator species, and (d) people's negative perception of dholes was associated with pack sizes, levels of livestock depredation and number of sympatric carnivore species. Global efforts for dhole conservation should involve different strategies based on region-specific realities that account for ecological context as well as human perceptions, which would require well-designed studies of dhole social and population dynamics, and human-dhole interactions. We also call for more such range-wide assessments of livestock depredation by wild canids, complemented with direct investigations of human-canid interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Srivathsa
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA; Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society-India, Bengaluru, India; National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Sushma Sharma
- Wildlife Conservation Society-India, Bengaluru, India
| | - Madan K Oli
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA; Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
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Hoffmann CF, Kissui BM, Montgomery RA. Spatial Pattern Analysis Reveals Randomness Among Carnivore Depredation of Livestock. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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12
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Gray SM, Booher CR, Elliott KC, Kramer DB, Waller JC, Millspaugh JJ, Kissui BM, Montgomery RA. Research‐implementation gap limits the actionability of human‐carnivore conflict studies in East Africa. Anim Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. M. Gray
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
| | - C. R. Booher
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
| | - K. C. Elliott
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
- Lyman Briggs CollegeMichigan State University East Lansing MI USA
- Department of Philosophy Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
| | - D. B. Kramer
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
- James Madison CollegeMichigan State University East Lansing MI USA
| | - J. C. Waller
- Department of History Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
| | - J. J. Millspaugh
- Wildlife Biology Program College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana Missoula MT USA
| | - B. M. Kissui
- Center for Wildlife Management StudiesThe School For Field Studies Karatu Tanzania
| | - R. A. Montgomery
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
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Sobratee N, Slotow R. A Critical Review of Lion Research in South Africa: The Impact of Researcher Perspective, Research Mode, and Power Structures on Outcome Bias and Implementation Gaps. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Weise FJ, Hauptmeier H, Stratford KJ, Hayward MW, Aal K, Heuer M, Tomeletso M, Wulf V, Somers MJ, Stein AB. Lions at the Gates: Trans-disciplinary Design of an Early Warning System to Improve Human-Lion Coexistence. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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