Abstract
AbstractDespite recent recovery of large carnivores throughout Europe such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the gray wolf (Canis lupus), some of their populations are still threatened and their viability depends on human tolerance to share mixed landscapes. We investigated the drivers of landholders' tolerance in Abruzzo (Italy), a region with a long history of cohabitation, by applying the Wildlife Tolerance Model (WTM) (Kansky et al., 2016, Biological Conservation, 201, 137–145). Using structural equation modeling we assessed relationships between WTM variables. This framework hypothesizes that exposure to a species and experiences with a species drive perceptions of benefits and costs, and ultimately tolerance. We then sought to understand similarities and differences in tolerance drivers between the two species and across two areas that differed in the duration of human–carnivore cohabitation. Results showed both similarities and differences in drivers between species and areas, resulting in seven management proposals to foster tolerance. Increasing intangible benefits and positive experiences were two strategies that were similar for both species and areas, while five strategies differed across species and areas. Our methodological approach can be applied in other landscapes with other species to determine the extent to which multispecies management across landscapes is possible.
Highlights
IntroductionLarge carnivores are among the most symbolic species living on our planet, and elicit strong and divergent reactions from people (Boitani, 1992; Ripple et al, 2014)
We focused on two protected areas (PAs): the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and the nearby Natural Reserve of Monte Genzana Alto Gizio (RMGAG)
The Wildlife Tolerance Model (WTM) Outer model' variables collectively accounted for about 50% of the variance for Tolerance, ranging between 44 and 55% of the variance for Tolerance (R2adjWolf-PNALM = .55; R2adjWolf-RMGAG = .47; R2adjBear-PNALM = .44; R2adjBear-RMGAG = .54)
Summary
Large carnivores are among the most symbolic species living on our planet, and elicit strong and divergent reactions from people (Boitani, 1992; Ripple et al, 2014). Human well-being and health (O'Bryan et al, 2018) Despite their important role, they are often perceived as damage-causing wildlife because of their predation of livestock and danger to people (Lozano et al, 2019). They are often perceived as damage-causing wildlife because of their predation of livestock and danger to people (Lozano et al, 2019) This type of human–wildlife conflict has historically resulted in the decline of large carnivore populations (Mech, 2017). Management interventions must be designed to cover multiple jurisdictions and involve intranational and international efforts to secure their long-term survival (Linnell & Boitani, 2012)
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