Carnivore conservation needs evidence-based livestock protection

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2005577
• Publication Date: 2018-09-18T13:25:53Z
• Authors: Lily M. van Eeden; Ann Eklund; Jennifer R. B. Mi...; José Vicente Lópe...; Guillaume Chapron; Mikael R. Cejtin; Mathew S. Crowther; Christopher R. Di...; Jens Frank; Miha Krofel; David W. Macdonald; Jeannine McManus; Tara K. Meyer; Arthur D. Middleton; Thomas M. Newsome; William J. Ripple; Euan G. Ritchie; Oswald J. Schmitz; Kelly J. Stoner; Mahdieh Tourani; Adrian Treves
• Keywords: Carnivore

Carnivore predation on livestock often leads people to retaliate. Persecution by humans has contributed strongly global endangerment of carnivores. Preventing losses would help achieve three goals common many human societies: preserve nature, protect animal welfare, and safeguard livelihoods. Between 2016 2018, four independent reviews evaluated >40 years research lethal nonlethal interventions for reducing livestock. From 114 studies, we find a striking conclusion: scarce quantitative comparisons against experimental controls preclude strong inference about the effectiveness methods. For wise investment public resources in protecting carnivores, evidence should be prerequisite policy making or large-scale funding any method or, at minimum, measured during implementation. An appropriate base is needed, recommend coalition scientists managers formed establish encourage use consistent standards future evaluations.