Socioeconomic Benefits of Large Carnivore Recolonization Through Reduced Wildlife‐Vehicle Collisions

Abstract

The decline of top carnivores has released large herbivore populations around the world, incurring socioeconomic costs such as increased animal–vehicle collisions. Attempts to control overabundant deer in the Eastern United States have largely failed, and deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) continue to rise at alarming rates. We present the first valuation of an ecosystem service provided by large carnivore recolonization, using DVC reduction by cougars as a case study. Our coupled deer population models and socioeconomic valuations revealed that cougars could reduce deer densities and DVCs by 22% in the Eastern United States, preventing 21,400 human injuries, 155 fatalities, and $2.13 billion in avoided costs within 30 years of establishment. Recently established cougars in South Dakota prevent $1.1 million in collision costs annually. Large carnivore restoration could provide valuable ecosystem services through such socio‐ecological cascades, and these benefits could offset the societal costs of coexistence.

Effects of urbanization on cougar foraging ecology along the wildland–urban gradient of western Washington

“…Like many other large carnivores, cougars are periodically involved in conflicts with livestock producers and rural residents (Gilbert et al. ). Wildlife professionals also frequently feel considerable pressure to reduce large carnivore populations in an effort to bolster ungulate populations (Todd , Hurley et al.…”

“…Large carnivores are controversial species whose management and conservation are complicated by broader psychological, political, and socioeconomic issues (Treves and Karnath 2003, Chapron et al 2014, Ripple et al 2014. Like many other large carnivores, cougars are periodically involved in conflicts with livestock producers and rural residents (Gilbert et al 2016). Wildlife professionals also frequently feel considerable pressure to reduce large carnivore populations in an effort to bolster ungulate populations (Todd 2002, Hurley et al 2011.…”

Top‐down limitation of mesopredators by avian top predators: a call for research on cascading effects at the community and ecosystem scale

“…In particular, the potential impact of large predator presence on the effect of Red Fox and corvids on small game species is a research priority given the economic costs associated with predator control and the potential benefits in terms of conservation arising from changes in gamekeeper attitudes towards raptors (Red Fox and Eurasian Magpie Pica pica are the two main species targeted by predator control in Spain and also regular prey of several species of large eagles and of the Eagle-Owl). Similarly, in a recent study, Gilbert et al (2016) revealed that recolonizing Cougars Puma concolor could reduce deer densities and deer-vehicle collisions by 22% in the Eastern United States, preventing 21 400 human injuries, 155 fatalities and $2.13 billion in avoided costs within 30 years of establishment.…”

“…More studies using the same approach as Gilbert et al (2016), coupling mesopredator population models to socio-economic valuation in order to assess the ecosystem services provided by large raptors through reduction in impact of mesopredators (through either direct trophic cascades or behaviourally mediated effects) on decreasing and economically important game species, would be extremely valuable.…”

Roadkill distribution at the wildland‐urban interface

“…In the United States alone, over a million vertebrates are killed per day as a result of vehicle collisions (Forman and Alexander 1998). In addition to directly reducing wildlife populations and compromising habitat connectivity by limiting animal movement (Hanski 1999, Coffin 2007, Crooks et al 2011, wildlife-vehicle collisions also present a high cost to society (Gilbert et al 2016). Across the state of California, USA, collisions with wildlife result in nearly 300 injuries to people and >5 human deaths/year and >$130 million in property damage (Shilling 2016).…”