2014 BES/DICE Symposium
A Study of Attitudes towards the Conservation and Reintroduction of Native Carnivore Species to the UK Dr Adriana Consorte-McCrea, Tanya Thompson, Siri McDonnell Wildlife and People Research Group-ERG, Dept of Geographical & Life Sciences, CCCU, Kent CT1 1QU, IUCN-SSC RSG
[email protected]
Introduction The reintroduction of wild animals is used as a conservation tool to help re-establish populations of wild species into areas within their historical range, from which they have disappeared, and is instrumental to ecological restoration. Localised declines and extinctions can result from habitat destruction, changes in resource availability, direct percussion and other reasons often associated with human impact. Reintroductions are work intensive and costly and can potentially expose animals that are already endangered, as well as human populations, to risk. However in some occasions they may be the only way to increase the chances of survival of a whole species. The success of reintroductions depends on the existence of appropriate habitat and natural resources, the removal of the threats that drove local extinctions, a legal framework of protection to the species in question, and on public support.
Historically, attitudes towards wild carnivores have been very negative in the UK, resulting in extermination programmes to control their populations. The onset of the conservation movement in the late 20th century and the increasing shift of populations from rural to urban areas have resulted in changes in attitudes towards wild carnivores in countries where they remain. However, the restoration of species of carnivores that have previously been persecuted and eliminated may stir strong emotions and cause controversy. Reintroductions demand a complex integration of understanding about the biology and ecology of a species and biomes, as well as an understanding of socio-political issues. Therefore, carnivore restoration efforts benefit from the understanding of the human dimensions of wildlife conservation (Bath & Buchanan, 1989).
Justification for study The European Community Habitats directive 1992 asks members to study the desirability of reintroducing species to their former range as a contribution to their conservation
The IUCNs guidelines for Reintroductions states that to establish a viable, free-ranging population in the wild it is necessary to enlist public support (IUCN-RSG, 2013)
An understanding of local people’s attitudes allows for a cost-effective way to identify and address points of conflict between them and wildlife, and saves time. Time and funding are precious commodities when dealing with species in decline and with people’s livelihoods and wellbeing.
Research Proposal In conjunction with Wildwood Trust we have identified three species of carnivores native to the British Isles within historical times, which have been considered for reintroduction and may benefit from a baseline survey of attitudes:
1. 2. 3.
European lynx (Lynx lynx): eradicated 1500 years ago Pine marten (Martes martes): UK BAP priority species Wildcat (Felis silvestris): UK BAP priority species
Aims: 1. 2.
Goal
3.
To investigate attitudes towards the species and its conservation and reintroduction in the UK To investigate how attitudes relate to knowledge, to socio-demographic variables, and to proximity to potential reintroduction sites. To inform species conservation strategies in the UK and Europe.
The project goal is to use questionnaires to produce a database on attitudes, beliefs and values about these carnivore species targeted for reintroduction and towards possible management measures for the conservation of the species. This database will enable the evaluation of support towards reintroduction. Additionally, the methodology and the tools that will lead to the database resulting from this project will provide a model that can be applied to different areas and to other threatened species. Based on the study of human dimensions in wildlife conservation, agencies responsible for natural resource have been able to identify the attitudes of the public with respect to certain animal species and proposed management practices before and after the use of education campaigns (Majic & Bath, 2010). The research proposal (funded by HEIF) has been developed by the Wildlife and People Research Group, led by Dr Adriana Consorte-McCrea, with participating students from Canterbury Christ Church University and support from Wildwood Trust. Table 1. Preliminary research plans for wildcat and European lynx Species: wildcat (Felis silvestris) Target public: game keepers, livestock owners, land owners, conservationists, Wildlife Trust members, general public Target areas: Scottish Highlands, where wildcats are present; South of England, where they have been absent for a long time Key attitudes/beliefs: • knowledge about wildcats behaviour (not aggressive, not a threat to people) • fear of spreading disease (toxoplasma gondii and feline leukaemia) • belief that wild cats will kill game and livestock
References:
Species: lynx (Lynx lynx) Target public: parents, farmers, hunters, foresters, general public Target areas: Scottish Highlands, where reintroduction is more viable; South of England Key attitudes/beliefs: • knowledge about lynx behaviour • understanding of the positive effects of deer and fox population control on biodiversity and ecological processes. • attitudes towards reforestation (provides suitable habitat for the lynx) • attitudes towards predation on livestock (financial loss) • fear for personal safety
Bath, A. J., and Buchanan, T., 1989. Attitudes of interest groups in Wyoming toward wolf restoration in Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife Society Bulletin 17(4): 519-525; Majić, A., and
Bath, A.J., 2010. Changes in attitudes toward wolves in Croatia. Biological Conservation 143(1): 255-260; UK Priority Species data collation Felis silvestris version 2 updated on 15/12/2010. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/_speciespages/2272.pdf; UK Priority Species data collation Martes martes version 2 updated on 15/12/2010. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/_speciespages/2405.pdf; Wilson, C.J., 2004. Could we live with reintroduced large carnivores in the UK? Mammal Rev 34(3): 211–232.Printed in Great Britain. Photos by Dave Butcher
