Carnivore‐Livestock Conflicts: Effects of Subsidized Predator Control and Economic Correlates on the Sheep Industry

摘要: Abstract: Despite the importance of carnivores in terrestrial ecosystems, many nations have implemented well-coordinated, state-funded initiatives to remove predators, largely because conflicts with humans over livestock. Although these control efforts been successful terms number removed, their effects on viability industries they seek protect are less understood. I assessed efficacy long-term by U.S. government improve sheep industry reducing predation losses. used regression analysis and hierarchical partitioning a 60-year data set explore associations among changes numbers factors such as predator effort, market prices, production costs. In addition, compared trends western United States, where is subsidized coyotes (Canis latrans) abundant, eastern states that lack federally were (1) colonized before 1950 or (2) between 1990. positively correlated fluctuations numbers, costs prices explained most model variation, combined independent contribution 77%. Trends highly (r ≥0.942) period during which coyotes, indicating either has ineffective at losses other than account for declines both regions. These results suggest government-subsidized failed prevent decline alternative support mechanisms need be developed if goal increase not simply kill carnivores.