Human–wildlife interactions and coexistence

Over 20 years of research at Oxford Brookes University has shown that conflicts about wildlife are often the result of different groups’ cultural values and priorities, and unequal power relations. Findings from this research have informed international conservation guidelines, improved the skills of government wildlife agencies and conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and influenced policy.

 

Issue

Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) is one of the most pressing and complex challenges for global wildlife conservation. Understanding the factors that cause it is crucial in preventing it.

 

Approach

The research team adopted an interdisciplinary approach through social science methods such as participant observation and qualitative interview techniques combined with quantitative, systematic ecological surveys and behavioural observation of animals.

 

Impact

The research findings have had a clear impact by changing human behaviours, enhancing livelihoods and improving interactions with wildlife, across a range of countries. Specifically, the findings have made a significant contribution to changing farmers’ and wildlife managers’ behaviour and practices in the face of crop damage by primates in Uganda, and more widely throughout Africa, through research-informed training activities.

The research has promoted greater understanding of human conflicts about wildlife by integrating biological and social science perspectives and challenging established assumptions about the causes and implications of wildlife conflicts. This has led to the development of effective, humane, non-lethal methods to reduce crop damage.

Findings have also had a clear impact on local coexistence practices, livelihoods and international guidelines. Beneficiaries of the research include smallholder farmers, conservation NGOs, and government wildlife and agricultural agencies.

 

More information

• Read the full impact case study in the REF21 database

• Easing conflict about wildlife in Africa - Oxford Brookes University

Institution: Oxford Brookes University 

Researcher: Professor Catherine Hill