No single solution: application of behavioural principles in mitigating human–wildlife conflict

Abstract

There is no proverbial silver bullet for mitigating human–wildlife conflict, but the study of animal behaviour is foundational to solving issues of coexistence between people and wild animals. Our purpose is to examine the theoretical and applied role that behavioural principles play in understanding and mitigating human–wildlife conflict, and delineate gaps in behavioural theory relative to mitigating these conflicts. Specifically, we consider two different, yet contemporary, examples of human–wildlife conflict: animal–vehicle collisions and carnivore depredation of livestock. Although ostensibly unrelated, both conflict areas share common themes relative to animal behavioural responses to disturbance and perception of risk. We first place the effects on wildlife due to these conflicts in the scope of population sustainability, and then examine current research relative to the following three questions. How is behavioural ecology relevant to these particular areas of conflict? Are advances toward understanding the mechanisms by which animals process information and make decisions being translated into management methods? How might management efforts be affected over time by individual behaviours, method integration and habituation/sensitization? Regarding animal–vehicle collisions, only in the last decade have researchers applied an antipredator theoretical framework with sensory ecology to understand aspects of marine mammal, terrestrial mammal and bird responses to vehicle approach, speed and associated stimuli. However, the size and speeds of modern vehicles demand that we improve economic models and possibly develop novel theoretical frameworks to better predict animal responses to vehicle approach. Within the context of carnivore–livestock depredation, our understanding of individual predator behaviour relative to perceived risk and factors contributing to the development of problem individuals will influence the efficacy of the most promising, nonlethal management approaches (e.g. distractive techniques, reproductive inhibition and olfactory barriers). In both cases, successful management is contingent upon a mechanistic understanding of how animals respond to disturbance and the information utilized to assess risk.