Systematic Map of Human-Raptor Interaction and Coexistence Research

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Human-Wildlife Interactions
• Ecology

Background:

• Global raptor conservation depends on human coexistence.
• Existing human-wildlife interaction research primarily focuses on terrestrial mammals.
• The scope of human-raptor interaction research remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and characterize the state of applied, cross-disciplinary literature on human-raptor interactions.
• To identify trends, gaps, and biases in human-raptor interaction research.
• To critically reflect on the scope of existing research for conservation applications.

Main Methods:

• Systematic map (scoping review) protocols were employed.
• Peer-reviewed literature on human-raptor interaction, conflict, tolerance, acceptance, persecution, and coexistence was cataloged.
• 383 relevant papers were retrieved and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Research is concentrated in North America and Europe.
• A disproportionately small number of studies incorporate interdisciplinary and social science perspectives.
• Most research focuses on indirect anthropogenic mortality, with limited concrete management suggestions.

Conclusions:

• Human-raptor interaction research predominantly examines ecological effects over sociocultural causes.
• Effective raptor conservation necessitates greater inquiry into human behavioral, cultural, and political factors.
• Integrating social sciences is crucial for improving human-raptor coexistence strategies.