Glimmers of hope in large carnivore recoveries

Abstract

In the face of an accelerating extinction crisis, scientists must draw insights from successful conservation interventions to uncover promising strategies for reversing broader declines. Here, we synthesize cases of recovery from a list of 362 species of large carnivores, ecologically important species that function as terminal consumers in many ecological contexts. Large carnivores represent critical conservation targets that have experienced historical declines as a result of direct exploitation and habitat loss. We examine taxonomic and geographic variation in current extinction risk and recovery indices, identify conservation actions associated with positive outcomes, and reveal anthropogenic threats linked to ongoing declines. We find that fewer than 10% of global large carnivore populations are increasing, and only 12 species (3.3%) have experienced genuine improvement in extinction risk, mostly limited to recoveries among marine mammals. Recovery is associated with species legislation enacted at national and international levels, and with management of direct exploitation. Conversely, ongoing declines are robustly linked to threats that include habitat modification and human conflict. Applying lessons from cases of large carnivore recovery will be crucial for restoring intact ecosystems and maintaining the services they provide to humans.

Wolverine density distribution reflects past persecution and current management in Scandinavia

“…Nonetheless, wolverine recolonization in Scandinavia matches the general pattern of return of other large carnivore species in Western Europe and North America (Linnell et al 2001, Chapron et al 2014). Successful recovery of these species is partially attributed to changing public attitudes towards large carnivores and effective law enforcement, which, in turn have lowered the risk of direct killing by humans (Zedrosser et al 2011, Chapron et al 2014, Ingeman et al 2022). Likewise, increasing tolerance towards wolverines by Scandinavian farmers and traditional pastoralists has in part been achieved through intensive zonal management of wolverines and compensation schemes (Persson et al 2015, Aronsson and Persson 2017).…”

“…A popular example is the case of large carnivore species that have undergone substantial range contractions due to intensive persecution by humans. While many species continue to struggle, some have in recent decades successfully recolonized part of their historic range, particularly in Western Europe and North America (Linnell et al 2001, Zedrosser et al 2011, Chapron et al 2014, Ripple et al 2014, Ingeman et al 2022). Limited understanding of factors shaping the spatial configuration of carnivore populations poses a challenge to science and management, and the current knowledge gaps may hinder predictions of future responses in the face of increasing human pressure.…”

The past as a lens for biodiversity conservation on a dynamically changing planet

“…Biotas tend to become more homogenous in areas of high human impact through the extinction of native species or the introduction of nonnative ones ( 75 ). Often species within functional groups at the highest trophic levels (e.g., predators) are more sensitive to land conversion, habitat destruction, and fragmentation ( 49 , 76 ). Similarly, species with larger body sizes, compared to small-bodied species, are more likely to be lost ( 77 ), which has led to missing portions of ecological space ( 78 ).…”

Wolverine density distribution reflects past persecution and current management in Scandinavia

“…A popular example is the case of large carnivore species that have undergone substantial range contractions due to intensive persecution by humans. While many species continue to struggle, some have in recent decades successfully recolonized part of their historic range, particularly in Western Europe and North America (Linnell et al 2001, Zedrosser et al 2011, Chapron et al 2014, Ripple et al 2014, Ingeman et al 2022). Limited understanding of factors shaping the spatial configuration of carnivore populations poses a challenge to science and management, and the current knowledge gaps may hinder predictions of future responses in the face of increasing human pressure.…”