Spatial variation in public attitudes towards brown bears in the French Pyrenees

摘要: Human dimension is an important component of large carnivore management and conservation. Here, we focus on the human-wildlife conflict related to depredation livestock by Pyrenean brown bears (Ursus arctos), despite population being among smallest in world. Two reintroductions were performed past ensure survival population, yet its conservation status remains critical due small size, heavy inbreeding disagreements over management. We investigated often-neglected spatial variations attitude towards predator presence improve our understanding human dimensions surrounding this conflict. used a questionnaire assess drivers explaining local (n = 577) Pyrenees bear presence. Our results show that variables (place birth county residence respondent) are strong predictors attitude. The residents two counties particular (Haute-Garonne Pyrenees-Atlantiques) displayed positive attitude, while Hautes-Pyrenees had most negative People born outside also showed more inclination than people raised France's southwestern mountain range. Both these may imply link between history communities with their current Accounting for small-scale heterogeneity social–ecological studies conflicts will prove useful get accurate mapping attitudes inform subsequent decisions.