From global patterns to local perceptions: Understanding human–carnivore interactions : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Science at Lincoln University

Abstract

Large carnivores play crucial ecological roles but increasingly experience negative interactions with people as human activities expand, prey populations decline, and landscapes are transformed. It is important to understand these interactions to find meaningful and impactful solutions to reduce the frequency and intensity of negative human-carnivore interactions and move instead towards coexistence. Up until now, coexistence strategies have not been consistent or well quantified, particularly when it comes to social aspects such as attitude formation. I examine negative human-carnivore interactions across ecological and social dimensions, combining a global meta-analysis of livestock depredation of large felids with a case study of local community attitudes toward large carnivores in northeastern Iran. In my first chapter, I used a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis synthesised data from multiple studies to investigate the relationship between depletion of the feline wild prey sources and livestock predation by six large felid species: leopard (Panthera pardus), lion (Panthera leo), puma (Puma concolor), jaguar (Panthera onca), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and tiger (Panthera tigris). The only predictor consistently associated with variation in livestock depredation rates was the availability of compensation schemes, with the presence of compensation schemes decreasing rates of reported livestock depredation. The analysis revealed high variability among contexts and with limited ability to create global generalisations. This analysis was able to highlight gaps in the literature with an emphasis on a context-specific conservation focus. To consider this context-specific need through one lens, my second chapter therefore used a case study of Iran with a socio-psychological application. The empirical study applied a socio-psychological framework to analyse survey data from 292 rural residents living within 5 km of Golestan National Park, Iran. By using Bayesian structural equation modelling, I found that attitudes toward the Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor), grey wolf (Canis lupus), and brown bear (Ursus arctos) were shaped by cognitive and social beliefs, including perceptions of danger and societal norms regarding retaliatory killing, and the responsibility for management of large carnivores. Direct experience of livestock loss was found to be a less important indicator of attitude formation. This study emphasises the importance of psychological and social processes in conservation action. Through the integration of ecological synthesis and conservation psychology, this thesis outlines the complexity of negative human-carnivore interactions, highlighting both the biological and social challenges associated with these interactions. Effective conservation involves not only the protection of wild prey sources and habitats but also addresses and incorporates human belief systems and cultural norms. By working with such an interdisciplinary model, a clearer path toward coexistence may be found, safeguarding large carnivores in shared landscapes.