Human attitudes towards large carnivores in Norway

Røskaft, Eivin; Händel, Barbara; Bjerke, Tore; Kaltenborn, Bjørn P.

doi:10.2981/0909-6396(2007)13[172:hatlci]2.0.co;2

Cited by 272 publications

(242 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Negative attitudes towards large carnivores, particularly wolves, have complicated efforts to restore predator populations in Scandinavia (Røskaft et al 2007;Bisi et al 2007). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Loss of traditional knowledge aggravates wolf–human conflict in Georgia (Caucasus) in the wake of socio-economic change

Kikvidze

Tevzadze

2014

Ambio

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Reports of the damage from wolf attacks have increased considerably over the last decade in Georgia (in the Caucasus). We interviewed locals about this problem in two focal regions: the Lanchkhuti area (in western Georgia) and Kazbegi District (in eastern Georgia) where livestock numbers had increased by an order of magnitude owing to dramatic shifts in the local economies over the last decade. This coincided with expanding habitats for wolves (abandoned plantations, for example). We found that the perceived damage from wolves was positively correlated with a poor knowledge of wolf habits and inappropriate livestock husbandry practices. Our results suggest a loss of traditional knowledge contributes strongly to the wolf-human conflicts in Georgia. Restoring traditional, simple but good practices-such as protecting herds using shepherd dogs and introducing bulls into the herds-can help one solve this problem.

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“…Negative attitudes towards large carnivores, particularly wolves, have complicated efforts to restore predator populations in Scandinavia (Røskaft et al 2007;Bisi et al 2007). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Loss of traditional knowledge aggravates wolf–human conflict in Georgia (Caucasus) in the wake of socio-economic change

Kikvidze

Tevzadze

2014

Ambio

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“…Negative attitudes towards carnivores in rural areas may be associated with the expectation that encounters with carnivores put themselves or their families in danger, and may result in financial loss, while positive may be associated to the expectations and with the excitement of seeing animals in the wild (Roskaft, Handel, Bjerke & Kaltenborn 2007;Consorte-McCrea 2013). As well as facilitating connections, emotions also seem to reinforce intentions to engage with the natural environment (Hinds & Sparks 2008).…”

Section: "Biodiversity I Think That Most Of the Time It Would Just Gomentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Attitudes Towards Native Wildlife and Biodiversity in the UK: The Role of Zoos

Consorte-McCrea¹,

Bainbridge²,

Fernández³

et al. 2016

World Sustainability Series

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The present paper draws from a study of the role of zoos in forming attitudes towards biodiversity and native wild carnivores that are considered for reintroduction. The project is being developed by an interdisciplinary team (wildlife conservation, psychology, education) working towards the development of a questionnaire to investigate this topic in the UK.Research suggests that experiences with live animals in zoos may encourage empathy, through personal connection, which in turn facilitates greater concern towards biodiversity. Concomitantly, the reintroduction of wild carnivores to their native habitats may contribute to biodiversity by helping regulate ecosystem dynamics. Carnivores also carry a rich cultural and historical heritage. IUCN guidelines state the need for public support to establish a reintroduced population in the wild, therefore, carnivore restoration efforts benefit from the understanding of the human dimensions.A pilot study was carried out in Kent (spring 2015) using focus groups and interviews to investigate attitudes towards biodiversity, with particular focus on two species of carnivores native to the British Isles and currently considered for reintroduction (the European lynx Lynx lynx and the pine marten Martes martes) and the role of zoos in promoting support towards biodiversity conservation. Results suggest an association between seeing native wild carnivore species in the zoo and emotional responses such as 'breaking down fears', but also concerns about a disconnect between people and nature, and misunderstanding about the role of zoos in 'protecting' species. Below we offer a discussion of the themes that emerged from the analysis of focus groups and interviews in relation to biodiversity.

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“…In other parts of the world, Lindsey et al (2006) showed how local participation by trophy hunters in Africa contributed to wildlife conservation, while hunters in Wisconsin did not support wolf conservation in their area (Treves & Martin 2011;Bruskotter & Fulton 2012). In Scandinavia, hunters generally do not support the conservation of large carnivores (Ericsson & Heberlein 2003;Roskaft et al 2007). These hunters see themselves as important wildlife stewards, and express the opinion that local knowledge is more important than scientific knowledge for setting hunting quotas for large carnivores.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The recovery of carnivore populations worldwide has been accompanied by an increase in studies that investigate the human and institutional responses to these recoveries (Bisi et al 2007;Roskaft et al 2007;Heberlein et al 2008;Gangaas et al 2013). However, few studies have examined relationships between basic life values such as general environmental value orientation and attitudes towards large carnivores (Bjerke et al 1998a).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental attitudes associated with large-scale cultural differences, not local environmental conflicts

Gangaas¹,

Kaltenborn

Andreassen³

2014

Envir. Conserv.

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SUMMARYSpecies and ecosystems are under constant pressure from a rapidly-growing human population. Human tolerance of carnivores, including the willingness to live in areas with these predators, is key to the success of large carnivore conservation. In the Scandinavian Peninsula, large carnivore populations conflict with human activity; low tolerance among local people may lead to illegal hunting. A survey of 2521 Scandinavian respondents to measure environmental value orientation, using the new environmental paradigm (NEP) scale and attitudes toward large carnivores, revealed attitudes towards the presence of carnivores were not related to carnivore abundance. Nor was there a significant relationship between environmental value orientation and personal experiences with loss of domestic sheep or hunting dogs. Environmental values were mainly explained by country differences; Swedes had a more ecocentric value orientation than Norwegians. Significantly more Norwegians (45 %) than Swedes (19 %) responded that there were too many carnivores in their country. Historic differences in how government is perceived between Norway and Sweden may result in different attitudes towards illegal hunting and towards carnivores. Specifically, Norwegians may hold a more anthropocentric view, based on a suspicion of central authorities, whereas Swedes may hold a more ecocentric view.

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Human attitudes towards large carnivores in Norway

Abstract: BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.

Cited by 272 publications

References 21 publications

Loss of traditional knowledge aggravates wolf–human conflict in Georgia (Caucasus) in the wake of socio-economic change

Loss of traditional knowledge aggravates wolf–human conflict in Georgia (Caucasus) in the wake of socio-economic change

Understanding Attitudes Towards Native Wildlife and Biodiversity in the UK: The Role of Zoos

Environmental attitudes associated with large-scale cultural differences, not local environmental conflicts

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