Abstract
AbstractA socioecological approach to biodiversity conservation has recently been encouraged. We examined farmer perceptions of ecosystem services provided by scavenging vertebrates in Spain through face‐to‐face surveys with farmers in seven large extensive livestock systems. Scavenging services (i.e., carrion consumption) was the most perceived benefit whereas the role of some scavengers as predators was the most recognized damage. The most beneficial scavengers perceived were vultures. Overall, we detected a “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” paradox as the same species and species within the same guild can be dually perceived as beneficial or harmful. Our findings provide evidence that traditional extensive farming linked to experience‐based and local ecological knowledge drives positive perceptions of scavengers and their consideration as ecosystem services providers. Research on social perceptions can contribute to the conservation of scavengers by raising awareness about the ecosystem services provided by this functional group.
Highlights
Recognition about the need for approaching biodiversity conservation from a social-ecological perspective is highlighted in the research agenda (Ban et al 2013; Martın-Lopez & Montes 2015; Bennet et al 2016)
One of the reasons for mainstreaming the social dimensions in biodiversity conservation (Bennet et al 2016; Pooley et al 2017) is the acknowledgment of the crucial role of biodiversity in supporting human well-being through the provision of ecosystem services (e.g., MA 2005; Dıaz et al 2006; Cardinale et al 2012), which are understood as the benefits that people obtain from ecosystems (Dıaz et al 2015)
We examined the social perceptions of those ecosystem services provided by scavenging vertebrate species in Spain, which is home to globally threatened scavenger species, including >90% of European vulture populations (Margalida et al 2010) and the largest populations of large carnivores in Western Europe, such as brown bears (Ursus arctos) and gray wolves (Canis lupus; Chapron et al 2014)
Summary
Recognition about the need for approaching biodiversity conservation from a social-ecological perspective is highlighted in the research agenda (Ban et al 2013; Martın-Lopez & Montes 2015; Bennet et al 2016). One of the reasons for mainstreaming the social dimensions (i.e., perceptions, values, beliefs, or attitudes) in biodiversity conservation (Bennet et al 2016; Pooley et al 2017) is the acknowledgment of the crucial role of biodiversity in supporting human well-being through the provision of ecosystem services (e.g., MA 2005; Dıaz et al 2006; Cardinale et al 2012), which are understood as the benefits (and occasionally detriments) that people obtain from ecosystems (Dıaz et al 2015).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
