A multilevel, systems view of values can inform a move towards human-wildlife coexistence

摘要: Perceptions of human–wildlife interactions, as either conflicts or opportunities for coexistence, can lead to drastically different human responses with important outcomes for wildlife. As examples, one person may revel in the sound of a coyote (Canis latrans) howling nearby and happily recount his or her experience to others, helping to raise awareness of these canine creatures. In contrast, another person may report the same interaction to a wildlife management authority and demand the animal be killed due to concern for the safety of local children. The possibility of future coexistence between humans and wildlife (particularly carnivores) could be quite bleak if only those who demanded retribution after having negative interactions, either perceived or realized as conflicts, report their experiences to managing authorities. Therefore, it is important to understand the basis for people’s perceptions of their interactions with wildlife and, ultimately, their beliefs about how wildlife should be treated. Research in the social sciences suggests that values have a fundamental influence on the way we perceive and interact with the world. Values (eg freedom, honesty, independence) are critical guiding beliefs about how the world operates and our relationships with others (Schwartz 1992). Values can be oriented towards a particular cognitive domain, such as wildlife, in a variety of ways. Thus, to provide useful information to wildlife management agencies on public thought about wildlife, we have developed a long-term programme of research in the United States (USA) that explores the role of values, and more specifically wildlife value orientations, in …