Co-Adaptation Is Key to Coexisting with Large Carnivores

Area of Science:

• Wildlife conservation
• Human-wildlife coexistence
• Landscape ecology

Background:

• Large carnivore populations are increasingly found outside protected areas.
• Integrating carnivores into multi-use landscapes is crucial for conservation but faces challenges due to a lack of clear coexistence frameworks.
• Existing approaches often overlook the reciprocal nature of human-carnivore interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive conceptualization of coexistence between large carnivores and humans.
• To highlight the central role of mutual adaptations in achieving successful coexistence.
• To inform strategies for managing large carnivores in multi-use landscapes.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of coexistence.
• Review of existing literature on human-carnivore interactions.
• Development of a framework emphasizing mutual adaptation.

Main Results:

• Coexistence is defined as a dynamic process involving reciprocal adjustments.
• Both human and large carnivore behaviors and practices need to adapt.
• Successful integration requires understanding and facilitating these mutual adaptations.

Conclusions:

• A novel conceptualization of coexistence is presented, centering on mutual adaptations.
• This framework offers a more holistic approach to managing large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes.
• Implementing mutual adaptations is key to achieving long-term coexistence and conservation goals.