Land Wildlife Research Articles

Estimating Northern Bobwhite Density in Privately-Owned Forests Across the Southeast

Rigorous density estimates can inform management, conservation planning, and policy decisions. Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhite) populations are declining throughout their range, including the southeastern United States. Numerous private land conservation initiatives are underway to restore bobwhite populations in these areas, but baseline estimates of density spanning privately owned forests are sparse. This information gap makes it difficult to evaluate the population-level effects of these conservation programs or develop expectations for timelines to reach population targets. We sought to understand baseline densities across privately owned pine forests in the southeastern United States in areas targeted for bobwhite conservation. We sampled 138 pine stands a total of 286 times across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina from 2018 to 2020 using autumn distance sampling point counts. We sampled 110 stands that were either planned or applied U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) management contracts, specifically Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Northern Bobwhite partnerships or similar Environmental Quality Incentives Program contracts. The WLFW contracts were solely in focal counties identified in the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative 2.0 plan and by cooperating state wildlife agencies. Contracts were on average 17.4 ha (SD = 27.0). We also sampled 28 areas with extensive (>200 ha) and intensive (e.g., at least every 3 years for the last ~10 years) habitat management for bobwhite. We used a hierarchical distance sampling model to estimate density. Density was lowest in North Carolina and South Carolina. Densities in Alabama were slightly greater, and greatest densities were in Georgia and Florida. However, the majority of observed densities were 2 coveys/40 ha or below, and all were below 4 coveys/40 ha. Large and intensively managed sites on average had 4 times greater density compared to smaller contracts. Specific densities will be reported in the future. Our sampling efforts fill an important information gap regarding densities throughout private lands in the southeastern United States. Our models indicate that bobwhite densities are generally low in pine forests of the Southeast even in counties identified as having the greatest conservation potential. The relatively greater densities at large and intensively managed sites illustrate the need for more intensive landscape-scale planning when implementing private land conservation. Pending research will compare densities at planned and applied NRCS contracts in the context of landscape-scale habitat amount.

Addressing the Early-Successional Habitat Needs of At-Risk Species on Privately Owned Lands in the Eastern United States

Public lands alone are insufficient to address the needs of most at-risk wildlife species in the U.S. As a result, a variety of voluntary incentive programs have emerged to recruit private landowners into conservation efforts that restore and manage the habitats needed by specific species. We review the role of one such effort, Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW), initiated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Using two at-risk species in the eastern U.S. (where private lands dominate), we show the substantial potential that WLFW has for restoring and maintaining needed habitats. Monitoring how effective these efforts are on populations of the target species has been challenging, and both monitoring and implementation are being modified in response to new information. Identifying landowner motivations is essential for developing long-term relationships and conservation success. As WLFW projects develop, they are moving toward a more holistic ecosystem approach, within which the conservation goals of at-risk species are embedded.

Farm size and its impact on land use: The case of the South African private wildlife industry

Abstract This study briefly discusses the relatively young private wildlife industry of South Africa which surfaced in the late 1990s, early 2000s. The industry has unique conservation management models and land uses that include hunting, breeding and game sales and ecotourism and by-products as well as mixed farming practices that include stock and crop farming. The research found that breeding and game sales are the most productive land-use form. Since this research was conducted, the market for live game sales collapsed and the authors believe that other wildlife-related land uses, such as ecotourism and by-products, will gain popularity in the future to replace breeding which is now less favourable. Furthermore, it was also found that different farm sizes influence the land uses, and a combination of land uses was chosen to be incorporated on a private wildlife establishment. A qualitative research approach was followed, and 223 privately owned wildlife establishment owners and managers were interviewed at fourteen auctions across South Africa. This research also concludes that since most wildlife are found on private conservation land, this research is a must for the industry as it can guide private wildlife establishment owners and managers to manage their private wildlife establishments most productively. Since this research was conducted, the market for live game sales collapsed, and the results show that fewer wildlife establishments are now breeding with game. These game farmers or wildlife establishment owners are now looking for different options on their land. If they cannot find an alternative in the wildlife industry, they will divert to other farming activities such as cattle farming. This will lead to a decrease in land for wildlife, which can impact wildlife numbers in South Africa. The authors believe that land use such as ecotourism and by-products will gain popularity in the future to replace breeding. This research also shows where there are opportunities in the wildlife industry.

Wildlife impacts and vulnerable livelihoods in a transfrontier conservation landscape.

Interactions between humans and wildlife resulting in negative impacts are among the most pressing conservation challenges globally. In regions of smallholder livestock and crop production, interactions with wildlife can compromise human well-being and motivate negative sentiment and retaliation toward wildlife, undermining conservation goals. Although impacts may be unavoidable when human and wildlife land use overlap, scant large-scale human data exist quantifying the direct costs of wildlife to livelihoods. In a landscape of global importance for wildlife conservation in southern Africa, we quantified costs for people living with wildlife through a fundamental measure of human well-being, food security, and we tested whether existing livelihood strategies buffer certain households against crop depredation by wildlife, predominantly elephants. To do this, we estimated Bayesian multilevel statistical models based on multicounty household data (n = 711) and interpreted model results in the context of spatial data from participatory land-use mapping. Reported crop depredation by wildlife was widespread. Over half of the sample households were affected and household food security was reduced significantly (odds ratio 0.37 [0.22, 0.63]). The most food insecure households relied on gathered food sources and welfare programs. In the event of crop depredation by wildlife, these 2 livelihood sources buffered or reduced harmful effects of depredation. The presence of buffering strategies suggests a targeted compensation strategy could benefit the region's most vulnerable people. Such strategies should be combined with dynamic and spatially explicit land-use planning that may reduce the frequency of negative human-wildlife impacts. Quantifying and mitigating the human costs from wildlife are necessary steps in working toward human-wildlife coexistence.

Shooting pheasants for sport: What does the death of Cecil tell us?

Abstract People hunt and kill animals for sport in many parts of the world. This raises many issues, some of which were brought to the fore when a lion Panthera leo, nicknamed Cecil, was killed by a trophy hunter in Zimbabwe in 2015. Cecil's death led to an unprecedented public reaction in Europe and the USA, and a debate in which opponents and supporters of sport hunting advanced different types of argument based on, inter alia, conservation, animal welfare and economics. The reaction to the Cecil event provides a perspective for scrutinizing sport hunting more widely. In this article we explore parallels between lion trophy hunting in Africa (which can involve either wild or captive‐bred lions) and shooting of common pheasant Phasianus colchicus, a sport which is largely sustained in the UK by the annual release of over 40 million captive‐bred birds. These two forms of sport hunting share common themes that are likely to be influential for the future of sport hunting more widely. These include the extent to which sport hunting maintains land for wildlife, and the impacts of intensification (e.g. the extent to which quarry are reared and released). Concern for the welfare of quarry animals is a dominant theme in debates about hunting. These themes are likely to be relevant for the conservation of many species hunted for sport. Increasing distaste for the killing of animals for sport in many countries may lead to the end of some types of sport hunting, with implications for both habitat and wildlife conservation. It would be both prudent and appropriate for conservationists to increase the urgency with which they seek alternative methods for preventing loss of biodiverse land to other uses. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

THE CONTENT OF THE ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ABIOTIC EARTH SPHERES AND THE ACCOUNTING OF THEIR INDEXES IN THE CODE OF RULES FOR ENGINEERING-ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS FOR CONSTRUCTION

Abstract: starting with the works of V.I. Vernadsky, the history of the development of ideas about the interaction of the abiotic spheres of the Earth (upper lithosphere, pedosphere, lower atmosphere and surface hydrosphere) and the living (society, microorganisms, vegetation and land wildlife, hydrobionts (bacterioplankton, phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrobenthos)) is presented. The modern ideas about the content of the concept "ecological functions of abiotic spheres of the Earth", including the resource, geochemical, geophysical and geodynamic, involved in the resource and energy support of life and development of biota, are formulated. Three time stages of formation of the ecological functions of abiotic spheres of the Earth are allocated and characterized. It is shown that at the third technogenic-natural stage of development of these functions, when engineering-ecological surveys are carried out, at local sites, the consequences of technogenesis are leading in the assessment of the current state of ecosystems. The interaction of the lithosphere, pedosphere, surface hydrosphere, Earth's atmosphere with each other and the technosphere is described. The issues of necessity of taking into account perception of ecological functions of the Earth in the code of rules (SP) for engineeringecological surveys and the input of new terminology are considered. It is noted that each ecological function of the abiotic spheres of the Earth is characterized by a large number of indicators of private and complex properties, the study of which has long been mandatory during engineeringecological surveys. The statistics on the composition of the work on the study of the spheres of the Earth in the technical guidance documents of different years on engineering-ecological surveys is adduced. It is stated that in the current SP 47.13330.2016 “Engineering surveys for construction. Main provisions” in terms of engineering-ecological surveys, the vast number of characteristics of ecological functions of the abiotic spheres of the Earth, including the study and evaluation of modern geological processes affecting biota are taken into account. The recommendations on improvement of technical guidance documents for engineering-ecological surveys are formulated.

Case studies of scalable wildlife conservation in working landscapes

ABSTRACTLandscape‐scale conservation initiatives have become more common in the past few decades. Many factors led to these increases including a broadening of conservation strategies, technology, and threats to many ecological systems; species’ population declines; and a growing understanding of the need for cooperative conservation. Population and habitat threats and declines often occur on privately owned farms, ranches, and forests, sometimes referred to as ‘working lands,’ which presents a host of challenges and opportunities for conservation. A key challenge of emerging initiatives is funding for conservation. We explore 2 landscape‐scale initiatives that have become loosely linked by the Working Lands for Wildlife partnership. Both have benefited from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding that resulted from an agreement between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (USDA 2012). We describe a few national cooperative conservation developments to demonstrate their importance to our 2 case studies and the ecosystem of private lands wildlife conservation. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.

A state assessment of private lands wildlife conservation in the United States

ABSTRACTWildlife habitat in the United States is largely owned by private entities. Threatened and endangered species conservation and game‐species hunting interests occur predominately on private lands. Our wildlife conservation history was characterized by eras of exploitation followed by conservation reactions. State wildlife agencies evolved through those eras as well. We sought to assess state wildlife agency investments in private lands conservation. We used a short survey to construct an index score designed to measure the state agency manpower commitment (%) as it relates to the composition of the state's private ownership (%). During 2019, we collected data about state wildlife agency participation in private lands program activities including cost‐share, equipment loans, or free supplies (seed or herbicide). Our survey metrics showed Kansas, USA, was the national leader in its commitment to private land management. Several midwestern and western states were notably well‐positioned to deliver private lands conservation relative to the nation. Our data show states are trending toward more effort on privately owned lands, but they continue to focus disproportionately more manpower on publicly owned lands or other priorities. Development of state wildlife agency commitments to private lands is a process characterized well by the Missouri Department of Conservation, USA. Expansion in conservation efforts on private lands will likely be linked to funding expansion that includes nonconsumptive users. We charge professionals to meet the conservation challenges of the 21st Century, they must invest significantly greater resources in private lands management through state wildlife agencies. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.

CEAP Quantifies Conservation Outcomes for Wildlife and People on Western Grazing Lands

On the Ground • Maximizing efficiency and effectiveness of limited resources to conserve America's vast western grazing lands requires a science-based approach. • Working Lands for Wildlife, USDA's approach for conserving America's working lands, co-produces scientific tools and quantifies outcomes that help guide future implementation and improve delivery. • Quantifying outcomes in conservation provides accountability for investments, and illustrates to readers the role of science in working lands conservation. • Together, diverse partners continue expanding into new technologies to further enhance the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of valuable grazing lands.

Assessing the Impacts of an Active Water Schedule on Vegetation Structure in the Northern Everglades

Abstract As part of restoration efforts of Holey Land Wildlife Management Area (HWMA) in the northern Everglades, a pump station in the northwest corner began delivering water from the Miami Canal in 1991. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma damaged the pump, rendering it non-functional until September 2014. These events provided a unique opportunity to examine the impacts of an active water schedule on the vegetation structure of HWMA. Results of linear-regression models show a drastic increase in Typha domingensis (Southern Cattail) abundance during the period when the pump was active and a marked decrease of this species after pump failure. This change was attributable to increased nutrient inputs from canal water pumped into the area. Changes in Cladium jamaicense (Sawgrass) cover may have a lag response to fire activity.

Trends and values of ‘Land for Wildlife’ programs for private land conservation

SummaryThe Land for Wildlife program started in Victoria in 1981 as a voluntary program with the broad aim of supporting landholders in providing habitat for wildlife on their property. The program has since spread across Australia and is implemented in a range of guises, through a variety of governance approaches. This research collected qualitative and quantitative data on Land for Wildlife programs across Australia to conduct the first national review. Data were gathered on changes in program membership to assess different participation trends. In addition, phone interviews with Land for Wildlife coordinators throughout Australia were conducted to explore how the programs are positioned in delivering biodiversity outcomes in a range of different regions. Over 14,000 properties covering 2.3 million ha are currently registered under Land for Wildlife programs. with at least 500,000 ha of habitat managed for conservation. Limited resources present a large challenge faced by a number of programs, with generally low funding and staffing resulting in restricted biodiversity focus and conservation outcomes. We suggest options to enhance the programs and propose future research directions.

Interest in Participating in Integrated Wildlife/Livestock Land Uses in a Rural Area in South Africa

ABSTRACTWildlife ranching is the fastest growing industry in South Africa, with most ranches having been converted from large-scale livestock farms. This article investigated perceptions and attitudes of rural communities located in wildlife-rich rural areas toward integrated wildlife/livestock land uses, and analyzed socio-demographic factors influencing household interest in these land uses. Data were collected from 130 households selected through stratified random sampling techniques from nine villages adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Results showed a general interest in pursuing wildlife land uses, but differences in attitudes toward wildlife between households with cattle and without. Multinomial regression results indicated that age, education level, monthly income, and cattle ownership significantly impacted the odds of a household being interested in participation or not. Addressing concerns about human–wildlife conflict and clarifying potential benefits to households and the community is necessary for increased interest in integrated land uses.

An evaluation and comparison of conservation guidelines for an at-risk migratory songbird

For at-risk wildlife species, it is important to consider conservation within the process of adaptive management. Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) are Neotropical migratory songbirds that are experiencing long-term population declines due in part to the loss of early-successional nesting habitat. Recently-developed Golden-winged Warbler habitat management guidelines are being implemented by USDA: Natural Resource Conservation Service (2014) and its partners through the Working Lands For Wildlife (WLFW) program. During 2012–2014, we studied the nesting ecology of Golden-winged Warblers in managed habitats of the eastern US that conformed to WLFW conservation practices. We evaluated five NRCS “management scenarios” with respect to nesting success and attainment of recommended nest site vegetation conditions outlined in the Golden-winged Warbler breeding habitat guidelines. Using estimates of territory density, pairing rate, nest survival, and clutch size, we also estimated fledgling productivity (number of fledglings/ha) for each management scenario. In general, Golden-winged Warbler nest survival declined as each breeding season advanced, but nest survival was similar across management scenarios. Within each management scenario, vegetation variables had little influence on nest survival. Still, percent Rubus cover and density of >2 m tall shrubs were relevant in some management scenarios. All five management scenarios rarely attained recommended levels of nest site vegetation conditions for Golden-winged, yet nest survival was high. Fledgling productivity estimates for each management scenario ranged from 2.1 to 8.6 fledglings/10 hectares. Our results indicate that targeted habitat management for Golden-winged Warblers using a variety of management techniques on private lands has the capability to yield high nest survival and fledgling productivity, and thus have the potential to contribute to the species recovery.

Human encroachment into protected area networks in Zambia: implications for large carnivore conservation

Large carnivores are declining globally, with strong direct and indirect ecological impacts on protected area networks (PANs). Human encroachment on ecosystems is a global threat for large carnivores, particularly in savanna Africa, where increasing human resource demands continue to degrade the connectivity and viability PANs. Zambia has a regionally significant role in large carnivore conservation, given that it borders eight countries, includes three transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs), and manages nearly 40 % of its land for wildlife. Deforestation in general and encroachment in particular are recognized problems in Zambian natural resource management. However, specific impacts on PANs are poorly understood owing to a lack of adequate mapping of encroachment, deriving from widespread difficulty in mapping cultivation and clearing in fire-prone savannas, and severe inaccuracy in several previous land cover data sets. Using simple manual interpretation of diverse and carefully chosen remote sensing imagery, we evaluated land use change from 1965 to 2011 in Zambia, primarily in the Luangwa Valley. We found widespread encroachment extending toward national parks from major roads as fast as 2 km/year and averaging 18 hectares per hour of daylight throughout a 159,805 km2 study area, eliminating designated buffer zones in some areas, decreasing connectivity, and potentially eliminating viable TFCAs. At current rates, Zambia’s PANs would be expected to be reduced into small isolated pockets primarily centered on national parks, with substantial human edge effects threatening the viability of wildlife populations in the region, particularly wide-ranging, low density, and threatened large carnivores such as African wild dogs, cheetah, and lion. It is thus critical that encroachment is accurately mapped across the entire region and that land use plans are developed, implemented, revised where necessary, and enforced with strong governmental support, enabling protection of these areas and the communities that depend upon them.

Epigaeic beetle communities of the Green Triangle plantation landscape, southern Australia: effect of remnant size, vegetation quality and structural complexity

SummaryAcross the Green Triangle plantation landscape of south-eastern South Australia and south-western Victoria there remain remnant patches of native vegetation which vary considerably in both size and vegetation quality. This study focused on how the vegetation quality and or size of remnants embedded within the bluegum (Eucalyptus globulus) plantation landscape influence the local ground-dwelling Coleoptera (beetle) assemblages found within them. The aim was to particularise those remnant characteristics (in terms of size and vegetation quality) that are likely to result in the most effective protective management of local remnant beetle biodiversity. Pitfall sampling was carried out over a 13-month period. All beetles sampled via pitfall traps were identified to family level, and the three most abundant beetle families (Carabidae, Staphylinidae and Tenebrionidae) identified to genus. Remnant vegetation was assigned to one of the four quality categories (as defined by the Land for Wildlife (LFW) method), and structural attributes of the vegetation surrounding each trap were also measured.Different beetle taxa responded independently to remnant vegetation quality and size, and to the measured vegetation structural variables. Mean beetle family abundance and estimated richness increased with decreasing remnant vegetation quality. However, when Carabidae, Staphylinidae and Tenebrionidae beetle families were analysed separately at genus level, taxa responded independently to vegetation quality and size. Furthermore, different vegetation structural variables such as the percentage cover of litter and shrubs as well as the number of overstorey stems were correlated with estimated richness of different beetle taxa. Beetle abundance was significantly influenced by mean litter depth and shrub and litter cover. This study also showed that remnants of different vegetation quality supported beetle assemblages composed of significantly different communities. However, these differences were not consistent between all sites of different vegetation quality, suggesting that there may be additional ecological characteristics within the landscape responsible for shaping remnant beetle communities. No single, specific quality of remnant vegetation was optimal for supporting the most diverse assemblage of beetles, as different taxa responded independently. A range of remnants of differing qualities maintained across the landscape may provide the resources needed for the widest range of beetle taxa, by accommodating their varying habitat requirements.

Livelihood roles of cattle and prospects for alternative land uses at the wildlife/livestock interface in South Africa

The emergence of wildlife ranching as an alternative land use option to agriculture, in Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs), has cast renewed interest on the role of cattle farming in rural livelihoods in areas close to wildlife parks. This study analysed the contribution of cattle to livelihoods and relationships between cattle and potential wildlife land uses in rural areas near Kruger National Park. Data were collected through household surveys, key informant interviews and community workshops. About 11% of households studied owned cattle, and cattle income constituted 29% of total household income. Benefits from cattle were also derived by households without cattle. About 71% of households had at least three sources of income, reflecting diversity of livelihoods. Wildlife related land uses were perceived by some households as threatening cattle production, whilst others viewed them as opportunities for alternative livelihoods. We conclude that cattle production has important livelihood roles, but is not sufficient as a driver of economic development in these areas. Incentives to encourage diversification of livelihoods at the wildlife/livestock interface, with possibilities for rural communities to explore wildlife based land uses should be put in place. In addition, land use policy and planning in such areas should focus on creating institutional mechanisms through which programmes integrating conservation and rural development goals can benefit rural communities.

Wildlife or livestock? New directions for developing communal rangelands in South Africa

The paper agrees with three fundamental points raised by Vetter (in this issue), whilst highlighting an emerging trend in wildlife land use, which should be considered in policy making. Firstly, the paper supports the argument that communal rangelands are important as objects of biodiversity conservation and, secondly, the argument that livestock production alone is not sufficient as a mechanism for alleviating poverty, but rather livelihoods diversification and multisectoral strategies are required for this purpose. Lastly, the paper supports the need for mechanisms to ensure tenure security for sustainable use of communal rangelands. I argue that the historical shift to wildlife land use previously observed on private farms in South Africa is now inevitable on communal rangelands and will require explicit consideration in the policy on communal rangelands. Although such development in the communal rangelands has potential to meet the important goals of livelihoods diversification as indicated by Vetter, it also has potential to threaten existing rural livelihoods. The paper suggests several issues to be considered as wildlife becomes part of the rural landscape in some areas, in addition to issues raised by Vetter relevant to policy making.

Working Lands for Wildlife: Will Voluntary Habitat Conservation Save Two Threatened Pennsylvania Species?

On March 8, 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Services revealed a new conservation program called Working Lands for Wildlife. This federally funded partnership devotes 33 million dollars to voluntary landowner habitat conservation for seven target species, including two rare Pennsylvanian species, the bog turtle and the golden-winged warbler. In exchange for an agreement to improve habitats for one of these species, landowners receive a promise from regulating agencies that any incidental harm to the species caused by their habitat conservation practices will be exempt from penalties under the Endangered Species Act (hereinafter “ESA”). Landowners also receive some technical and financial assistance to support their conservation efforts. Although Working Lands for Wildlife provides these admirable new incentives for habitat conservation, the program could also be used to avoid ESA listings for currently unlisted species, like the golden-winged warbler. This article argues the program’s potential costs and benefits to unlisted species should be carefully weighed, and the program cannot serve as a politically convenient procedure to abandon listing efforts.

Geoconservation and the advancement of geosciences: lessons from the Chalk of England

Abstract Seven examples from the Chalk of England illustrate the importance of geoconservation to advances in understanding Upper Cretaceous Chalk geology and wider studies relevant to society including construction projects, groundwater investigations and environmental change. Two field sections are now lost to landfill (Asham, Lewes and Downend, Portsdown) and five are extant (Southerham Grey Pit, Lewes, South Lodge Pit Taplow, Berkshire, Peacehaven Cliffs and Eastbourne Cliffs, Sussex). Each of these field sections shows the range of geology that needs to be considered in any conservation strategy. Continued access to such coastal and inland field sections is vital so that new ideas and techniques can be tested and re-measuring and re-sampling can take place.The need for field sections has, and continues to be, challenged and there is a view that borehole cores can provide sufficient reference material to replace field sections. The inadequacies of a borehole alternative to field sections are illustrated with examples from Southerham Grey Pit, Lewes and Downend Quarry, Portsdown, Hampshire. These two sites also illustrate that a trench cut to replace a quarry face will not guarantee exposure of an equivalent geology. There are wider implications for society as field sections are essential for interpreting the geology beneath London and Stonehenge for tunnels and aquifer studies. Local field sections are also part of new initiatives, through the Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust, to widen understanding of and integrate geosciences with other natural sciences through environmental education to better inform decisions on environmental issues.

Coping with an Ecological Disaster: The Role of Perceived Meaning in Life and Self-Efficacy Following the Gulf Oil Spill

On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil platform exploded, releasing five billion barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico over five months (referred to as the Gulf Oil Spill). This oil spill affected Gulf Coast communities, harming both sea and land wildlife, damaging the fishing industry, and destroying natural resources. In the wake of such a disaster, many people experience decreases in their quality of life. However, coping mechanisms such as developing meaning or purpose in life and creating a sense of self-efficacy can allow people to recover. The present study evaluates the effect of the Gulf Oil Spill on 361 individuals seeking clinical services on the Mississippi Gulf Coast following the spill. Regression analyses revealed that the perceived effects of the spill were only weakly related to life satisfaction. Perceived meaning in life and self-efficacy were much more predictive of satisfaction with life, with perceived meaning in life serving as the most important predictor. These data provide initial support for models that emphasize the role of coping mechanisms in the wake of ecological disasters. Future research should evaluate the effects of such mechanisms using longitudinal and other designs that allow for stronger causal inferences. Clinical implications include the use of therapies that foster a sense of perceived meaning in life (e.g., logotherapy) and self-efficacy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), as well as consideration of the specific ecological nature of disasters such as the Gulf Oil Spill.