Problematic Wildlife II: New Conservation and Management Challenges in the Human-Wildlife Interactions

ISBN-13: 9783030423377 / Angielski / Miękka / 2021 / 649 str.

Francesco Maria Angelici; Lorenzo Rossi

Spis treści

Introduction.

The reasons behind and significance of the book. Problematic Wildlife and modern world.

(F.M. Angelici, L. Rossi, Italian Foundation for Vertebrate Zoology, Italy)

 

This starting chapter, fully introduces the topic of the book. The reasons for publishing this second volume on 'Problematic Wildlife' are explained. The fundamental reason is that although it will be difficult to deal with all the existing themes that can be part of the topic of problematic wildlife, we will try to analyze cases not previously covered in the first book. Some specific topics, for ex. the big cats man-eaters, have only been treated in great synthesis in the first volume, where, on the contrary, the theme of the attacks of wolves to humans has been deepened. Then, another example, the one related to the urban fauna, positive and compatible situations with human activities, or, on the contrary, very problematic cases, which need solutions. Or the big problem of wildlife and problems related to road traffic. And so on, some chapters deal with snakes, always causing problems to be addressed, or the problem of coexistence between hunting and nature conservation.

 

 

Section 1: Large carnivores, humans and environment.

 

Man eaters: for a human-wildlife coexistence. A review.

(S.M. Shepherd; University of Pennsylvania Healthcare System, USA)

 

 

 

A large carnivore among people and livestock: the common leopard.

(U. Khan, F. Ferretti, S. Ali Shah, S. Lovari; University of Siena, Italy)

 

Mitigation of conflicts between humans and large carnivores is a major challenge in wildlife conservation. Habitat loss and depletion of wild prey, as well as easy availability of livestock, are expected to increase livestock depredation and, in turn, emphasise conflicts.

We assessed the interactions between leopards Panthera pardus and humans, in three study areas lying on a densely inhabited Himalayan part of Pakistan (c. 328 km2): a protected, largely forested area (Ayubia National Park and its surroundings, ANP) and two areas with a greater level of anthropogenic activities and lower extent of forest cover (Murree, MF; Transitional Area, TA).

We suggest that only the implementation of synergistic actions, i.e. habitat protection, prey restoration and better practices of livestock management, would lead to mitigate human-leopard conflict and to increase the long-term survival of this large predator.

 

Evolution of wolf habitat occupancy and feeding habits in Italy: implications for species conservation and conflict resolution with humans.

(A. Meriggi, E. Torretta, O. Dondina; University of Pavia, Italy)

 

Despite the generally positive trend of European populations, the wolf is still today a challenging species to conserve, particularly in the most anthropogenic southern European countries, because of its conflict with humans. In this chapter we summarize the dynamics of wolf distribution in Italy, one of the most densely populated European countries, over the last 50 years. Finally, we consider how to mitigate the wolf-human conflict and suggest effective management of wolf populations.

 

Section 2: Urban environment and wildlife.

 

“Good” and “bad” urban wildlife.

(G. Perry, C. Boal, R. Verble, M. Wallace; Texas Tech, USA)

 

Urban environments offer habitat for many species of animals. Although some of those are ubiquitous and/or undesirable, others are native and in some cases, of conservation value. In many cases, urban wildlife populations are a source of enjoyment for human residents, who sometimes invest considerable amounts in attracting them to yards and public spaces. Their presence there can serve an important educational role that helps protect non-urban habitats and species. Nonetheless, urban wildlife must survive what has been termed a “landscape of fear.” Although some of the urban wildlife that do well in this environment are benign, other populations – sometimes of a species that, in other locations, is iconic and desirable – can become problematic. We trying to predict how global patterns such as increased urbanization and population growth may affect urban wildlife and its value for conservation.

 

Wildlife and traffic – an inevitable but not unsolvable problem?

(A. Seiler, M. Bardwaj; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)

 

The conflict between wildlife and traffic is not a new phenomenon. Where the movement paths of humans and wildlife intersect, the consequences are often detrimental for both. Collisions between traffic and wildlife results in loss of life, injury and vehicle damage. Roads and railways not only inflict death on wildlife, but also impose barriers to movements, fragment habitats and permit additional impacts due to secondary development. As a prominent global issue, it is essential that we mitigate the impacts of roads and railways on wildlife, and the impacts of wildlife on traffic, in order to ensure successful cohabitation of people and wildlife. In this chapter, we discuss the most prominent and critical problems with traffic and wildlife and explain how effective mitigation strategies can be developed. We argue that the mitigation approach must become an integral part in the design and planning of transport infrastructure. The conflict between wildlife and humans along transportation corridors may be inevitable, but it is possible to find a solution.

 

Section 3: Can the regulated hunting coexist with conservation of endangered species?

 

How hunting and wildlife conservation can coexist. Review and cases study.

(F. Perco; ex Director Monti Sibillini National Park, Visso, Italy)

 

Four forms of coexistence between hunting and WLC are examined: Non-Impactful, Impactful and Eliminatory, Impactful but Resilient and Impactful but Contributory Hunting (ICH). Typical hunter figures are described: venator dominus (owners etc.), v. socius (associated to a specific district) and v. emptor (who buys rights from time to time). The most significant with regard to its effects wildlife, on the environment and on local communities is ICH. This includes activation of anti-poaching surveillance, performing monitoring, local community projects that seek improvement in residents' social conditions (economic and cultural) and coexistence with of ecotourism.

 

 

What do we know about wild boar in Iberia?

(A. Giménez-Anaya, C. Guillermo Bueno, P. Fernández-Llario, C. Fonseca, R. García González, J. Herrero, C. Nores, C. Rosell; University of Zaragoza, Spain)

 

Wild boar is an important species throughout the Iberian Peninsula, and populations exist from sea level to elevations > 2,000 m in high mountain environments, which reflects its incredible ability to adapt to a wide range of natural and cultural environments. To summarize the scientific and management knowledge on the species in Portugal and Spain, we reviewed 174 published and unpublished texts written since 1914. We identified six main fields of study interest and potential wild boar conflict: (i) the role of the species in natural and semi-natural ecosystems, (ii) agricultural damages, (iii) car accidents, (iv) disease transmission and reservoir, (v) hunt and control, and (vi) urban wild boars.

The increase in the frequency of interactions between humans and wild boar underscores the importance of management actions that address not only the wild boar populations, but also human behaviour and the avoidance of risk situations; e.g., urban wild boars and traffic collisions, which includes environment education.

 

Wildlife economy alias the new Palaeolithic

(A. Ragni, F. Cenci, F.M. Angelici; Italian Foundation for Vertebrate Zoology, Italy)

 

The chapter deals in particular with the management of wildlife in the framework of an innovative vision of sustainable economy.

This proposal is about the economic use of a part of the Italian wildlife, the one that could be technically administered, imitating the approach that humans adopted towards the same before the invention of agriculture, in a modern way. Wildlife can be seen not as a mere object of contemplation or, on the contrary, of consumption, but as a "renewable resource" to be used reasonably.

In reality, the example about the Italian case can be applied wherever there are territories not subject to agriculture and that do not have particular implications in integral conservation. The maintenance, however, of those wild species included in the 'Wildlife Economy', are compatible with a wise and useful careful management of the territory and the natural environment

 

Section 4: True species extinctions dates, actual presence of rare, elusive or declared extinct species. Impact on the human’s thought and life.

 

Assessing Presence, Decline and Extinction for the Conservation of Difficult-to-Observe Species.

(S.A. Black; University of Kent, UK)

 

Knowledge of decline and extinction is variable for different species in different circumstances but remains important in deciding upon, and managing, conservation interventions. Where a species is present in a very small population there can still be an opportunity for recovery up to sustainable levels as experienced by many conservation interventions. Mis-diagnosis of extinction, survival, recovery or de-cline will have major consequences on successful conservation management of species. Four concepts should inform balanced conservation decision-making, including the Precautionary Principle, Romeo’s Error, the phenomenon of Lazarus Species, and the Thylacine Effect. With cryptic or rare species, patchy presence data can still in-form an understanding of extinction and recovery patterns and examples from a variety of taxa illustrate those approaches. Several examples are presented of better analysis of declines and extinction to improve strategic decision-making and the design of conservation interventions. Professional attention needs to be applied to uncertain information on species, including presence, recovery, decline and possible extinction, to utilise and improve available knowledge.

 

Big cats recently extinct or possibly extinct. Their histories, new and unexpected data.

(L. Rossi, C. Scuzzarella, F.M. Angelici; Italian Foundation for Vertebrate Zoology, Rome, Italy)

 

 

Section 5: Communication and wildlife conservation. Scientists and animal rights activists. Modern zoos and conservation.

 

Alternative facts and alternative views: Scientists, managers, and animal rights activists.

(G. Perry, M. A. Sarge, D. Perry; Texas Tech)

 

Animal welfare advocates and conservationists are often at odds, despite sharing important core values. We summarize previous work in this area, then review and update several examples of such conflicts, as well as a small number of cases of de-facto cooperation resulting in positive outcomes for both groups. Particular attention is given to views of keeping animals captive in zoos and aquariums and to the treatment of feral cats as part of the debate over invasive species. We then summarize recent advances in both the philosophy of animal welfare, in particular ecofeminism and from political theory, and the fields of conservation and environmental management. Our final section provides an analysis of the communication strategies used by both groups. We conclude that underlying such disagreements are not only philosophical differences but also self-selected access to divergent sources of information and interpretation. Limiting exposure to alternative views can strengthen group identity and increase conflict. As in other cases, modern media is particularly suitable for extreme views, penalizing moderate voices and attempts at communication and collaboration. However, adoption of insights from research into modern media can also lead to better communication across the persistent divide between scientists, managers, and animal welfare advocates.

 

Zoos and conservation in the Anthropocene: opportunities and problematic issues.

(J. Robovský, L. Melichar, S. Gippoliti; University of South Bohemia, Czech Republic)

 

The literature on zoos, their purposes and conservation missions is extensive and complex. In this chapter, therefore, we merely summarize the basic roles of zoos and then focus on some conservation and management challenges associated with zoos (and other captive institutions) in the light of our experiences. We would also like to refer readers, including young zookeepers, to important reviews, chapters and monographs.

 

Problematic Animals in the Zoo: the issue of charismatic megafauna.

       (G. Hosey, V. Melfi, S.J. Ward; University of Bolton, UK)

 

Zoos worldwide are visited by great numbers of people, and many of these visitors prefer to see large, rare mammals, the so-called charismatic megafauna. Zoos and the researchers who use them also appear to prioritise these species, as evidenced by the number of scientific publications which investigate the welfare of charismatic rather than non-charismatic species. However, the charismatic animals also attract more welfare-related concern from animal activist groups and the media than the non-charismatics. To this extent the charismatics could be regarded as problematic animals in the zoo. In this chapter we compare three charismatic taxa (elephants, great apes and cetaceans) with three closely matched non-charismatic taxa (tapirs, gibbons and manatees) from the point of view of how frequently they are portrayed in welfare-related stories in the media, how much scientific research is undertaken on their welfare, and how many of them are housed in zoos.  Undoubtedly, from these perspectives the charismatics receive more attention than the non-charismatics. However, there is also evidence that their popularity helps zoos achieve their conservation mission, both by increasing funding available for field conservation, and also by contributing towards education and awareness raising of conservation issues. Nevertheless, the non-charismatics are equally deserving of attention, and more work needs to be done on their welfare.

 

Cryptic problematic species and troublesome taxonomists: a tale of the Apennine bear and the Nile white rhinoceros.

(S. Gippoliti, C.P. Groves; Società Italiana per la Storia della Fauna ‘Giuseppe  Altobello’)

 

Taxonomic revisionary work is essential to our understanding of our planet’s biodiversity. Yet recent findings specifically concerned with large mammal taxonomy have sometimes been received with open hostility by the community of conservation biologists, population geneticists in particular. The present contribution offers a taxonomist’s perspective of the problem utilizing two case-studies of two classically designated subspecies (Ceratotherium simum cottoni and Ursus arctos marsicanus) to show how a refined taxonomy is the first step in establishing the correct conservation measures and thus maintain a healthy and diverse planet through appropriate use of mammals as umbrella species.

 

Communication and wildlife conservation (Grey Wolf and Brown Bear in Italy).

(F. Perco; ex Director Monti Sibillini National Park, Italy)

 

Communication regarding the conservation of Grey Wolf (2,000 individuals) and Brown Bear (110 individuals in two subspecies) in Italy has some disadvantages. Italy does not have a national faunal plan with national strategy for the management of these species and ungulate populations. The cultural perception is quite different: Bear is positive but not in Alps where are reintroduced (Trentino), Wolf generally negative, except by environmentalists. A appropriate communication is needed, that is it should not be improvised, must be planned, be an essential part of the project and not have a fixed term. Three types of management plan are discussed: a lot of difficulties troubles a plan drowned up by subjects other than the institution that will have to guarantee its realization. According to the point of view that communication is also negotiation it is essential to understand the interests of the parties and to have a light relationship with humans (empathy), for inventing advantageous solutions for everyone. A professional communicator who works specifically within the organization, is still an indispensable figure, more better than a technician. The results of the Italian model are critically pointed out, especially a recent (2018) “too aggressive” law of Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano. Finally, is emphasized that the best communication is “on the battlefield” and “through immediate actions”. Consoling through “pious words” is own goal!

 

Travelling in a fragile world: The value of Ecotourism.

(E.M. Esposito, D. Palumbo, P. Lucidi; Institute ‘Biosfera’, Italy)

 

This paper aims to provide a general examination of the available data about the ecotourism activities on a global level, presenting examples from representative countries worldwide. We consider both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of this industry, trying to focus on what it represents in terms of its impacts and benefits for the country’s natural resources, communities and economy. We also compare ecotourism to other forms of natural resources’ use such as trophy hunting and mass tourism, trying to evaluate whether these represent a preferable alternative or not in terms of sustainability and economic benefits. For its realization we used statistics made available mainly by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), together with information from specialized international literature.

 

Section 6: Human-reptile conflicts

 

Snakes, snakebites, and humans.

(G. Perry, M. Lacy, I. Das; Texas Tech, USA)

 

Of some 3,700 extant species of snake, less than 750 are venomous - most of them not greatly harmful to humans. Yet, snakes occupy an outsized niche in human imagination, both in regards to their potential medical impacts and in other cultural roles. In this chapter, we review available information on snakebites and fatalities from around the world, describe current recommended treatment of snakebite, and review the role snakes fulfill in world folklore. Though less common and lethal than often perceived, snakebites affect an estimated five million people each year and cause as many as 125,000 fatalities. Many of the traditional “treatments” have little or no positive impact, but access to the one verified remedy, antivenin, remains particularly limited in some parts of the developing world, where most bites and fatalities occur. Perception of snakes is especially ambivalent in the developed world, perhaps because of Judeo-Christian-Islamic associations, although the Greco-Roman-derived snake-entwined staff also serves as the emblem of medicine and healing.

 

Giant Snake-Human Relationships.

(J.C. Murphy; Field Museum, Chicago, USA)

 

Human interactions with giant snakes include predator-prey, competitors for food, and agents for biological control of rodents. Many of the giants are captive bred for unique color patterns and kept as living works of art. They are used as entertainment (pets, zoos, exotic animal shows, and art). At some locations, they have become human commensals. Perhaps, more importantly, they have been selection factors during our evolution and recently we have allowed them to become invasive species.

 

Risk assessment model for brown treesnake introduction into the continental United

States.

(S.S. Kahl, C. Kleberg, S.E. Henke, D. Britton, Gad Perry; Texas Tech, USA)

 

The proposed military expansion on the island of Guam has increased the potential for the spread of brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) to other areas. Prevention, rather than post-introduction management and control, is the most preferred method for combating introductions of invasive species. Here, we use risk assessment modeling as a tool which can be used to identify potential locations where brown treesnakes may become naturalized, if introduced, and thus could be used to help allocate resources to minimize the risk of invasion in those locations, and possibly aid in preventing the invasion of brown treesnakes into the continental United States. We used Program MaxEnt to model climatically suitable areas for brown treesnake introduction into the continental United States. We then used ArcGIS to identify suitable areas that also receive the most shipments from the island of Guam, thus bringing together both risk of dispersal and risk of establishment. We identified Texas, Georgia, Florida, and several East Coast states as high-risk areas with respect to invasion of brown treesnakes. Shipments from Guam to these states should be considered high priority for inspection.

 

The Asian toad in Madagascar: a short history of an ongoing invasion.

(F. Licata, F. Andreone, K. Freeman, S. Rabesihanaka, E. Robsomanitrandrasana, J. Reardon, A. Crottini; Regional Museum of Natural Sciences, Torino, Italy)

 

Biological invasions are listed as one of the top five major threats to biodiversity worldwide. Invasive alien species generate variable effects on native ecosystems, which are unpredictable but potentially catastrophic, especially when they are introduced in hotspots of biodiversity. In these cases, the spread of invaders must be faced promptly, and multiple actors must co-operate to put in place adequate management plans. In 2014, an invasive population of the Asian common toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) has been reported in Toamasina, the major seaport town of Madagascar. This species is poisonous, generalist, highly fecund, and it is rapidly spreading across the lowland habitats of north-eastern Madagascar. The success of future management strategies will variably depend on research, public awareness, financial and political support as well as on the feasibility of the methodology to be put in place. Here we present an overview of the Asian toad invasion in Madagascar, tracing back the activities undertaken within the framework of the invasion risk assessment in the past four years, and outlining what need to be done in the near future to contain the threats to the unique Madagascar’s biodiversity.

O autorze

Francesco Maria Angelici, PhD, currently works in the areas of biology, behavioral ecology, fauna, zoogeography, and mammal systematic and conservation studies, particularly concerning carnivores, lagomorphs and ungulates. His other fields of research are: ornithology (the biology and ecology of Falconiformes, Passeriformes and Strigiformes) and herpetology (the ecology of snakes and their trophic relationship with mammals). He studies Italian and tropical fauna, with particular reference to the conservation of vertebrates.  He also works in the areas of planning and environmental conservation. In particular, he has worked in the area of wildlife management at national parks, reserves and other protected areas in Italy and abroad. He currently works as a zoologist conservationist, with hunting management agencies. He is also a specialist in African savannah environments as well as desert and tropical rain forests. He is currently the scientific head of an international project dedicated to the conservation of the lion (Panthera leo) in Ghana.  He has published about 220 scientific papers in journals with international committees of reference, in addition to some scientific and popular articles. He has also written several chapters in monographs and books in Italy and abroad, in addition to being the editor of various Italian books. He co-authored the “Checklist of fauna species in Italy, Vertebrates" in the Mammals section, and authored several species sections in the new edition of Fauna d’Italia (Texbook of Italian Mammals), some species sections in Handbuch der Säugetiere Europas (Monograph on the Mammals of Europe), and some species sections in Mammals of Africa  (Bloomsbury Publishing).  He contributes as a referent to 23 international journals, and he is associate editor of two international journals. He was a lecturer in courses in zoology (Vertebrate Zoology, Wildlife Management, Animal Ecology, and Zoogeography) at  Sapienza University of Rome from 1990 to 1996, and at the University of Tuscia, Viterbo from 2007 to 2009. He is a member of seventeen scientific and/or conservation societies in both Italy and abroad, including the IUCN.

Lorenzo Rossi is a science communicator who deals with the history of zoology, ethnozoology and the relationship between science and pseudoscience. For this topics he is the author of exhibits, conferences, books and scientific publications. His most recent works concern the relationship between folklore and the discovery of new species of primates and the morphometric and genetic study of the island population of wolves that became extinct in Sicily (Italy) at the beginning of 1900.  He currently deals with public relations for the Museo dell'Ecologia di Cesena (Italy) and the organisation of events related to citizen science projects.

Blurb

In a world where habitats are constantly changing and the impact of anthropization on the environment is increasingly intense, interactions between human and wildlife are becoming more and more complex. Some species pose problems for human activities while many others need to be helped in order to continue to exist.

This book follows the first volume called 'Problematic Wildlife', edited by F.M. Angelici and published by Springer in 2016, which has had considerable success with readers and critics.

The volume includes 21 chapters divided into 7 parts devoted specific topics which are approached in a multidisciplinary way. There are both review chapters and specific cases, always bearing in mind the interest for an international audience.

The book can be useful both for scientists, wildlife specialists, conservationists, zoologists, ecologists, university students, nature managers, and for those who live in contact with wildlife and its problems, such as farmers, shepherds, hunters, urban planners, and staff of parks and nature reserves.

Its ultimate goal is to offer scientific and pragmatic approaches to manage each categories of problematic species.