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Assessing Illinois Residents' Support for Natural Recolonization of Apex Predators.
Adam C Landon1, Craig A Miller2, Brent D Williams2
1Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. aclandon@illinois.edu.
Environmental Management
|December 13, 2018
Summary
Public attitudes toward wildlife recolonization, like apex predators, depend on beliefs about human-wildlife relationships and group identity. Agricultural producers and those with utilitarian views showed more negative attitudes toward predator recolonization.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife ecology
- Conservation biology
- Human dimensions of wildlife
Background:
- Public attitudes toward wildlife are crucial for effective conservation policy.
- Understanding the drivers of these attitudes is essential for managing human-wildlife coexistence.
- Apex predator recolonization presents unique challenges for public acceptance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how wildlife value orientations and stakeholder group membership influence public support for apex predator recolonization in Illinois.
- To identify specific beliefs and group affiliations associated with positive or negative attitudes toward recolonization.
- To explore differences in attitudes towards black bears, cougars, and gray wolves.
Main Methods:
- Survey research involving residents of Illinois, USA.
- Analysis of wildlife value orientations (e.g., utilitarian, mutualist).
- Comparison of attitudes between the general public and agricultural producers.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in attitudes toward recolonization were found based on wildlife value orientations and stakeholder group membership.
- Individuals with utilitarian beliefs (traditionalist orientation) and agricultural producers exhibited more negative attitudes compared to those with mutualist orientations or the general public.
- Attitudes toward black bear recolonization varied significantly based on value orientations, stakeholder group, and their interaction.
Conclusions:
- Wildlife value orientations and stakeholder group membership are key determinants of public support for apex predator recolonization.
- Conservation strategies must consider the diverse values and interests of different public groups, particularly agricultural producers.
- Tailored communication and engagement approaches are needed to foster acceptance of returning apex predators.
Keywords:
Attitudes toward predatorsNatural recolonizationWildlife managementWildlife value orientationsMore Related Videos
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