The human dimensions of dog–wildlife interactions

Abstract

that "despite the diversity of situations and species that spawn HWC, there is one common thread: the thoughts and actions of humans ultimately determine the course and resolution of the confl ict." Thus, from a wildlife conservation perspective, understanding the human dimensions of HWC is critical. The fi rst step in understanding the human dimensions of dog-wildlife interactions is to clearly defi ne the nature of the interaction. In this case, the interactions can be positive or negative depending on the subject (human, dog, or wild animal), and are varied and complex (Table 12.1). The focus of this chapter is on the intersection between humans, dogs, and wildlife and their interactions, and includes their sometimes competing interests. Since the 1960s, it has been widely acknowledged that it is necessary to investigate the human dimensions of wildlife management issues and problems. Environmental and wildlife management issues almost always arise because of competing human interests and values. If these are not well understood, even the best ecological and biological science may not provide adequate solutions. The fi eld of human dimensions has been defi ned as "how people value wildlife, how they want wildlife to be managed, and how they affect or are affected by wildlife management decisions" (Decker et al., 2001 , p. 3), and is concerned with improving representation in decision-making and with infl uencing policy and management outcomes (Loker et al., 1998). Human dimensions research is important because, too often, wildlife management decisions CHAPTER 12

Use ofAtlanticForest protected areas by free‐ranging dogs: estimating abundance and persistence of use

“…In addition to proximity to human houses, we found that owner attitudes may affect protected area use by dogs and thus dog–wildlife interactions (Miller et al. , Ritchie et al. ).…”

“…Due to the complex bond between humans and dogs, it is necessary to manage people and their dogs as a cooperative social unit, using multiple and complementary strategies (e.g., educational programs, neutering campaigns, application and enforcement of laws, and buffer zones; Bekoff and Meaney , Miller et al. ). Understanding the complexity of the relationship between dogs and local people is essential before implementing any action aimed at reducing dog populations in protected areas and the associated dog–wildlife conflicts (Reece ).…”

Anthropogenic Disturbances Drive Domestic Dog Use of Atlantic Forest Protected Areas

“…In these zones, managers should work with local residents aiming at free-ranging dog eradication or containment (McGeoch et al, 2016), applying multiple and complementary strategies (e.g., educational programs, neutering campaigns, application and enforcement of laws ;Miller, Ritchie, & Weston, 2014).…”

Conservation gone to the dogs: when canids rule the beach in small coastal reserves

“…Managing dogs on beaches is a complex and often highly politically issue (Miller et al 2014;Williams et al 2009). Fundamentally, because people hold diverse and opposing views about dogs in the environment, managing dogs is often about managing people, their expectations, behaviours, and attitudes (Holmberg 2013).…”