Title
Restoring what we've lost: Lessons from evolutionary history for rewilding and coexisting in landscapes with predators
Author(s)
Lambert, Joanna E.; Berger, Joel
Published
2022
Abstract
Conflict occurs between humans and diverse wildlife. It is particularly salient with large-bodied carnivoran predators because of potential for loss of life and associated fear. Combined with habitat loss, intensive predator control over the past few thousand years, and especially the last ~200, has vanquished apex predators in most landscapes. This means that most humans today have never had direct experience with species such as grey wolves (Canis lupus) and grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) and lack specialised knowledge to facilitate coexistence. A lack of knowledge and experience can yield fearful and negative attitudes and has important consequences for human–wildlife conflict (HWC) and rewilding success. In this chapter, the authors situate current circumstances of human-predator conflict in light of our understanding of how humans share(d) landscapes with Carnivora in deep time (Pleistocene), recent history (Holocene), and now (Anthropocene). The authors provide insight into the underpinning biology of fear and offer suggestions for addressing HWC based on habituation and the transmission of learned behaviour.
Keywords
Environment & Agriculture; Environment and Sustainability; Geography; Politics & International Relations
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PUB35825