Transitioning towards human–large carnivore coexistence in extensive grazing systems

• DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01340-w
• Publication Date: 2020-05-08T19:02:46Z
• Authors: Louise Boronyak; Brent Jacobs; Arian Wallach
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 2. Zero hunger; Conservation of Natural Resources; Livestock; Carnivora; Biodiversity; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 13. Climate action; Predatory Behavior; Animals; Humans

In light of escalating threats to biodiversity, conflicts between humans and large carnivores in production landscapes must be resolved. We explore how interactions between humans, large carnivores, and livestock can be modified to promote coexistence. We identify four rationales for building coexistence capacities in extensive rangeland livestock production systems: (1) livestock production is a dominant terrestrial land use; (2) large carnivores provide critical contributions to ecological functions; (3) the persecution of large carnivores has high ethical, welfare, reputational and social costs; and (4) a growing body of evidence shows that lethal control can be counterproductive to reducing predation risk. Two key leverage points to foster human-carnivore coexistence are the adoption of preventive non-lethal innovations, and the creation of an enabling environment. Leverage points must be appropriate at the local landscape scale and contribute towards global efforts to conserve large carnivores.