ABSTRACT Anglers can contribute to the spread of aquatic invasive species by moving among waterbodies. Angler movement data have been used to predict invasions, but few studies have explored behaviors and preferences associated with highly transient anglers, or those that frequently move between waterbodies within timeframes that allow invasive organism survival. This study leveraged catch log data from an angler app and machine learning to predict angler transience and identify behaviors and preferences that influence mobility. We found that angler avidity, characterized by higher catch rates, frequent fishing trips to diverse locations, and consistent fishing regardless of the day or weather, was associated with transient behavior. Transience was not strongly linked to a preference for specific target species, suggesting that highly mobile anglers are not confined to a particular species-focused group. Our findings identify the behavioral profile of transient anglers, enabling targeted outreach and management efforts to prevent aquatic invasive species.

ABSTRACT The study explores the attitudes of Indian shepherds in Karnataka toward wolves, focusing on the Gadag District near Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary. Through 42 qualitative interviews, the study reveals a generational shift: older shepherds (over 30 years old) view wolves as sacred and beneficial, whereas younger shepherds perceive them as threats to their livelihoods. Despite significant livestock losses, tolerance persists, particularly among older shepherds, due to cultural beliefs and traditional practices. The findings emphasize the critical role of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary conservation approaches – such as strategic fencing, the use of livestock-guarding dogs, community-based management, awareness initiatives, improved compensation mechanisms, and the preservation of grazing lands – to facilitate sustainable coexistence between humans and wolves. The findings underscore the need for collaborative approaches that respect cultural values and address economic challenges, ensuring the sustainability of both pastoralism and wolf conservation in India.

ABSTRACT When lead (Pb) ammunition is used for hunting, humans and wildlife may become poisoned if they ingest Pb fragments in game meat. To investigate how Pb alternatives can be promoted, we explored factors associated with use of non-Pb rifle bullets by deer hunters in New York, USA. We also examined how hunter concern was linked to their awareness of health impacts. Through a survey of 2433 hunters, we found that human health impacts, ammunition availability, age, gender, degree of urbanization and freedom of choice were significant predictors of non-Pb use. Although more aware and concerned hunters used non-Pb ammunition, there were aware yet unconcerned hunters who used Pb ammunition. To promote non-Pb use, at least in some hunters, behavioral interventions may be most effective through maximizing awareness of rural, younger and female hunters, ensuring more availability of non-Pb alternatives, and incorporating Pb impacts on human and wildlife health in messaging.

ABSTRACT Understanding wildlife perceptions is crucial for effective management, particularly amid shifting ecological and community dynamics. Framed by the Cognitive Hierarchy Model, we sought to understand factors affecting support for increased hunting as a strategy to address the threat of winter ticks on moose populations in Maine, USA. A self-administered online questionnaire was disseminated to Maine moose hunters, which measured perceptions of moose management, hunting beliefs and attitudes, subjective norms, trust in Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), and support for moose management strategies. A hierarchical regression analysis produced a model to explain voting support for hunting: Stronger moose hunting and management norms, positive beliefs and attitudes toward moose management, and greater trust in MDIFW yielded greater support for hunting as a moose management strategy. Our findings carry implications for supporting wildlife management actions and environmental protection issues.

ABSTRACT While the study of risk perceptions is central to the human dimensions of natural resources literature, psychometric measurement of the concept is variable. There lacks a generalizable measure that allows for comparisons across constituencies, times, and hazards. Our research fills this gap by contrasting the usefulness of a multidimensional measure that includes severity, probability, and affective components to a single-item measure commonly used to measure risk perceptions in the context of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Data were obtained from surveys of 1,278 hunters in Georgia, USA. Based on our results, we suggested that the severity and affective dimensions are strongly representative of an individual’s general risk perceptions. We then demonstrate that the multidimensional risk perception measure outperforms the single-item measure. We suggested that human dimensions researchers adopt a multidimensional measure of risk perception that allows for cross-sample comparison and improves our understanding of wildlife-associated disease risk perceptions among diverse constituencies.

ABSTRACT While nature’s mental health benefits are well-documented, the specific effects of birdwatching remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining the mental health benefits of a combined birdwatching and preparatory education compared to nature walks through a randomized controlled trial with 170 urban participants in Iran. The birdwatching group engaged in educational birdwatching sessions and a full-day birdwatching trip, while another group participated in general nature walks. Anxiety and stress reductions were significantly greater in the birdwatching group compared to participants who went on nature walks. However, there was no significant difference in depression scores between the groups. Participants with higher baseline distress and male participants showed more pronounced improvements. These findings suggest that birdwatching offers unique benefits as a mental health intervention in urban settings, particularly for reducing anxiety and stress, with further research needed to explore its long-term impacts.

ABSTRACT Worldviews underpin perceptions of contentious wildlife issues such as predator killing contests (PKCs), where large numbers of predator species are harvested for sport and management. When views about wildlife issues are negative, perceptions of threat may arise that can lead to behavior affirming core beliefs and negating alternative worldviews. This phenomenon dubbed worldview defense is understudied in wildlife contexts. To better understand if PKCs trigger worldview defense, we conducted an exploratory study of The Wildlife Society student members in Texas. Responses from 168 aspiring wildlife professionals and conservationists revealed participants who viewed a pro-PKC worldview as legitimate or valid were less likely to support banning such contests. Regression results suggest new scientific information about PKCs may influence students’ voting intention, but ethical appeals would likely be ineffective. Next-generation wildlife professionals’ views on divisive issues may help foretell the future of predator management in Texas.

ABSTRACT The exploitation of frogs for human consumption is one of the drivers contributing to their extinction or population decline. This study assessed the determinants of consumption intentions for the Togo Slippery Frog, a Critically Endangered species endemic to the Volta-Togo Highlands, using the Theory of Planned Behavior with an extended construct of Wildlife Value Orientations, and perceived susceptibility to zoonoses. Data were collected from 287 households and analyzed using the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique in SmartPLS software. The findings revealed that attitude was the most important determinant in explaining the intention to consume the Togo slippery frog, followed by subjective norms. The study suggests that conservation campaigns and strategies to attenuate the consumption of Togo slippery frogs should emphasize attitudinal change. Local influential leaders should be involved in conservation campaigns due to the influence of subjective norms.

ABSTRACT With carnivore populations declining globally and human-wildlife conflict increasing, understanding landowner attitudes of various management techniques is crucial for effective conflict mitigation. We investigated attitudes toward predator control methods for mesopredators among wildlife and domestic ranchers in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Lethal control, a common method, aims to safeguard livelihoods but has unpredictable ecological consequences. Non-lethal methods offer alternatives but vary in their efficacy. We surveyed 73 respondents across five municipalities, finding that lethal control was perceived most effective, especially among wildlife ranchers. Land use and region of origin significantly influenced attitudes, with wildlife ranchers showing more negative perceptions than livestock ranchers. Socio-demographic variables (e.g. education level) had a minimal impact on attitudes, highlighting the importance of peer group norms, among several variables, in driving attitudes.

ABSTRACT This commentary article reports on recent developments in shark bite mitigation policy in Western Australia. Due to the increased occurrence of coastal shark-human interactions and the attention of multiple researchers, the state offers a notable case study of biodiversity conflict. A key dynamic throughout has been the State Government’s response, which has primarily revolved around the use of shark control policies. After a series of shark-related incidents in and around the Swan River, the Government applied its marine-based interventions to the estuary. A broad perspective shows that the estuarine environment allows the adoption of these techniques. However, a more nuanced view shows a limited implementation hampered by a lack of consideration for the social dimension of the estuary. It is argued that widening the scope of priorities from biological control to encompass the relevant social information will enhance mitigation efforts.