Human visitation limits the utility of protected areas as ecological baselines

摘要: Abstract A key goal of protected areas is the conservation biodiversity. Increasing visitation, however, can compromise ecological integrity. fundamental conundrum that if parks are to serve as our most pristine places, then we must understand how human presence alters biological interactions. Species redistribute themselves closer people growing management concern both in and out national because 1) safety, 2) animal health, 3) consequences. Drivers distributional change often dissimilar but may include increased association with for predator avoidance – shield hypothesis. We examine redistribution patterns comparative, observational, experimental approaches contrasting responses an iconic species USA park - Glacier. Specifically, focused on role predator-avoidance resource enhancement test whether a cold-adapted alpine obligate, mountain goats, (Oreamnos americanus), mediate their distribution by increasing spatial overlap humans. Individuals enhanced mineral acquisition through access urine concomitantly reduced behavioral grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) experiments. Goats near also displayed group sizes, vigilance, use escape terrain, forfeited migrations naturally occurring minerals. Our findings re-enforce complexities natural area visitation altering While offer some forms baselines scientists enjoyment millions visitors, associated changes signifies additional care will be needed what perceive anthropogenically-altered.