Can we separate the sinners from the scapegoats

摘要: Despite the impression of doom and gloom concerning fate world’s wildlife that one can gather from media, there are in fact many success stories recent decades where populations various species have stabilized or recovered. However, learning to live with these conservation is often harder than bringing about initial recovery. European large carnivores a case point, especially wolf (Canis lupus). Following changes public opinion policy began appearing 1970s, 1980s 1990s, begun recolonize parts Europe, such as Scandinavia, French Italian Alps, German lowlands, which they had been absent for decades. The response has an explosion conflict, both material economic nature (caused mainly by depredation on livestock; Kaczensky, 1999) social political (focusing symbolic aspects this recovery; Skogen, Mauz & Krange, 2006; Dickman, 2010). wolves also illustrates diversity conflicts emerge, go far beyond simple into areas perceptions just important reality. Seals clear marine parallel terrestrial their history range produced, salmon taking place sheep main victims, farmers hunters being replaced fishermen types protagonists. Addressing conflicts, be Scottish estuaries, mountains Scandinavian forests, requires three-step process. Firstly, need recognize genuine existence conflict equal legitimacy diverse dimensions along expressed. Secondly, understand functional mechanisms behind including ecological sociological/political aspects. Only when two steps completed it possible move onto third step identifying potential reduction, mitigation compensation measures. paper Graham et al. (2011) welcome contribution second heuristic framework set context between seals fishermen. Killing controversial may endanger status (Treves, 2009). seek explore evidence problem individuals (sensu Linnell al., among seal population, responsible disproportional impact salmon. idea more selective removal (i.e. killing) individuals, if exist, would create less public’s sensibilities widespread use lethal control across whole population. This testing underlying management assumption crucial toward robust knowledge-based system. In paper, draw multiple lines indicate well some disproportionally make rivers feed trout other seals. Taken isolation, none data strong enough conclusions. Their sample size investigating diet particularly small. taken together, certainly present problem, ‘rogue’ seals, although clearly research topic. Comparative telemetry rogue nonrogue interesting used comparative studies (e.g. Odden 2002), welldesigned adaptive experiments was monitored. question how new information management. latest goes long way part model presented earlier Butler (2006). still little understanding exactly much time each spends rivers, will runs removing individuals. opens up fascinating complex debate predatory mammals general On hand, belief certain proportion population actually achieve measurable (such reduction Animal Conservation. Print ISSN 1367-9430