Day 2: Why do people matter in human dimensions of fish and wildlife?

Human Dimensions

a field of study that applies the social sciences to examine human-wildlife relationships, and, in doing so, provides information that contributes to effective wildlife conservation efforts

Social sciences

The study of people, their behavior, beliefs, attitudes, and relationships.

Why is human dimensions important?

It helps managers understand stakeholders, communicate about conservation, prepare for conflict, and improve management.

Stakeholder

A person or group with an interest in or affected by wildlife management decisions.

Human–wildlife relationship

The relationship between people and wildlife, including human attitudes, behaviors, and interactions.

Human–wildlife conflict

Interactions between people and wildlife that create costs, risks, or competing interests.

Recreation and tourism

Reasons people value wildlife, including wildlife viewing, recreation, and ecotourism.

Wildlife disease

Diseases affecting wildlife that can also have consequences for people, communities, and economies.

Zoonotic disease

A disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

Environmental sustainability

Concern for ecological integrity, biodiversity preservation, and environmental quality.

Ecological integrity

The condition of an ecosystem and the maintenance of its ecological processes and functions.

Biodiversity preservation

Protecting the variety of living organisms and biological diversity.

Win-win conservation

Conservation strategies intended to benefit both people and wildlife.

Human livelihoods

The ways people earn income and support their lives, which conservation decisions may affect.

Why consider human perspectives in wildlife management?

People value wildlife differently, so management must consider multiple perspectives and interests.

Why is wildlife conservation a social challenge?

People influence wildlife, hold different values, and affect whether conservation efforts succeed.

Public–science disconnect

A gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding or responses to science.

Social science in conservation

Using research about people to understand, navigate, and address conservation situations.

Utilitarian value of wildlife

Valuing wildlife for its usefulness or benefits to people.

Intrinsic value of wildlife

Valuing wildlife for its own sake, beyond its usefulness to humans.

Cultural significance of wildlife

The importance wildlife holds in cultural traditions and identities.

Economic value of wildlife

The economic benefits associated with wildlife, including tourism, recreation, and income.

Animal welfare and ethics

Concerns about animals' well-being and the morality of human actions toward them.

Human–wildlife interactions

Encounters and relationships between people and wildlife, with both positive and negative effects.

How can recreation and tourism harm wildlife?

Human activities and wildlife viewing can disturb animals or negatively affect their survival.

How can recreation and tourism benefit conservation?

They can generate income and create economic incentives to preserve wildlife.

What are examples of human–wildlife conflict?

Vehicle collisions, property damage, agricultural losses, and threats to human safety.

How can habitat loss contribute to human–wildlife conflict?

It can increase interactions between people and wildlife.

How can globalization affect wildlife disease?

It may influence the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases.

What are possible consequences of zoonotic diseases?

Negative effects on human health, society, economies, communities, and wildlife.

What is environmental sustainability concerned with?

Ecological integrity, biodiversity preservation, and environmental quality.

What are four main reasons people care about wildlife in this lecture?

Recreation and tourism, human–wildlife conflict, wildlife disease, and environmental sustainability.

What is the main goal of understanding why people care about wildlife?

To build support for conservation and improve management that serves the public interest.

What must wildlife management decisions balance?

Multiple perspectives, values, interests, human needs, and wildlife conservation goals.

Why might conservation efforts face public opposition?

People may have different values or may fear negative effects on their livelihoods.