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- Info
Understanding wildlife responses to humans
| Author: |
Whittaker, D.; Knight, R.L. |
| Date: |
1998 |
| Periodical: |
Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Abstract: |
Wildlife management is often concerned with how humans will coexist with wild animals, but there are many variations on the coexistence ideal. In an urban setting like Anchorage, Alaska, the ideal might include brown bear populations that demonstrate avoidance behavior; in a protected area like Alaska’s Katmai National Park, habitation responses may be preferred. Either situation allows coexistence, but each has different consequences for bears and for people. Improved management required better information about how human actions affect wildlife responses, as well as clarity about which coexistence ideal is appropriate for the area. In research, the need is for models that explore the complexity of wildlife responses and relate those responses to human management regimes. In management, the need is for explicit statements about the desired coexistence ideal and the development of standards that define acceptable consequences. |
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