Human–wildlife conflicts at pond fisheries in eastern Poland: perceptions and management of wildlife damage

摘要: Wildlife occurring at aquacultural sites can ignite conflicts over resources managed by humans. A telephone survey concerning nuisance wildlife occurrence, perceptions of inflicted damage, and use preventive measures pond fisheries was conducted in 2003–2004 eastern Poland. Significant economic losses to were reported 80% the respondents, with 41% claiming severe more than one species. Serious damage attributed primarily otters Lutra lutra (56% farms), cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo (26%), grey herons Ardea cinerea (23%), beavers Castor fiber (21%). Two alien species, mink Neovison vison muskrat Ondatra zibethicus, widespread, but rarely blamed for causing substantial harm. Lethal controls most popular means reduction likely be deployed fish farms reporting significant losses. Cormorants, shot half visited, widely persecuted. Both culled, notwithstanding their protection status compensation payments available beaver ponds. The indicated poor cooperation between conservation authorities farmers managing concerns. Monitoring conflict interactions, i.e., occurrence alleged vs management processes, is an essential step toward alleviation. Considering wide range species interacting fisheries, adoption flexible policies address a single-species approach recommended.