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Large carnivores and naturalness affect forest recreational value
Marek Giergiczny1, Jon E Swenson2, Andreas Zedrosser3,4
1Faculty of Economic Science, University of Warsaw, ul Długa 44/50 00-241, Warsaw, Poland.
Scientific Reports
|August 11, 2022
Summary
Large carnivores (LCs) enhance forest recreation value for most people, who prefer natural forests. However, some prefer managed forests, showing polarized views on wild nature.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Environmental Psychology
Background:
- Recreation is a key ecosystem service provided by nature, particularly forests.
- Large carnivores (LCs) are vital forest components, but their impact on recreational value is understudied.
- Growing LC populations and increased nature use necessitate evaluating their recreational role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess public preferences for forest structural characteristics and the presence of large carnivores (LCs).
- To understand how LCs influence the perceived recreational value of forest ecosystems.
- To explore the relationship between preferences for LCs and forest management styles.
Main Methods:
- Discrete choice experiments were employed to gauge public preferences.
- Willingness-to-travel surveys were used to quantify these preferences.
- Studies were conducted in Poland (N=1097) and Norway (N=1005) involving 4 LC species.
Main Results:
- Two-thirds of respondents ('wildness-positive') viewed LCs positively, preferring natural forests (old-growth, diverse tree species, dead wood).
- A minority ('wildness-negative') preferred managed forests, with stronger negative preferences observed in Norway.
- Public opinion on wild nature and LCs was highly polarized, with few neutral viewpoints.
Conclusions:
- Public preferences for LC presence strongly correlate with desired forest structures.
- Findings reveal a dualistic human relationship with nature and LCs.
- Ecosystem management policies should integrate the recreational contributions of forests and LCs.
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