Analysing stakeholders’ perceptions of wolf, lynx and fox in a Dutch riverine area

摘要: In the last decades, populations of large carnivores have been making a spectacular return, especially in USA and Western Europe. These population recoveries result partially from protective legislation reintroduction programs, but possibly also land use changes adapting to human environments. Although public support for carnivore protection seems be growing, some stakeholders still negative perception because their alleged impacts on livestock humans. Perceptions are partly determined by underlying visions nature which differ between stakeholder groups. We therefore examined relationship different groups’ perceptions presence fox (Vulpes vulpes), possible establishment wolf (Canis lupus) lynx (Lynx lynx) Dutch riverine landscape. Stakeholder groups comprised general public, farmers, scientists conservationists. differed significantly across groups, was generally higher than expected. Farmers show most perception, regarding lynx. This is related vision nature, more strongly aligned with mastery over compared other Scientists, prominent adherers stewardship appear positive carnivores. Despite these differences respondents adhere relationship. could good starting point find common ground when disputes arise