Targeting human fear of large carnivores - Many ideas but few known effects

Abstract

This paper reviews the peer-reviewed scientific literature on interventions aimed to reduce human fear of large carnivores in human-large carnivore conflicts. Based on psychological theories, a wide definition of fear was adopted, including fear as an emotion, as a perception and as an attitude. Four major categories of interventions were identified: information and education, exposure to animal and habitat, collaboration and participation, and financial incentives. Each of these categories may have a potential to reduce fear responses. The scientific literature on the effect of interventions addressing human fear of large carnivores is scarce and partly contradictory, which makes it difficult for wildlife managers to rely on current research when designing appropriate interventions. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Large carnivores; Human fear; Literature review; Intervention

Published in

Biological Conservation
2016, volume: 201, pages: 261-269
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

SLU Authors

• Johansson, Maria

  • Lund University

• Stoen, Ole-Gunnar

  • Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

• Frank, Jens

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

Wildlife Damage Centre

Global goals (SDG)

SDG4 Quality education

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology
Zoology

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2016.07.010

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/79787