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Public acceptance of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Germany

Whiley, Faye L., Tzanopoulos, Joseph (2024) Public acceptance of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Germany. Journal for Nature Conservation, 77 . Article Number 126535. ISSN 1617-1381. (doi:10.1016/j.jnc.2023.126535) (KAR id:104150)

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2023.126535

Abstract

In a geological epoch, referred to as the Anthropocene, where large carnivores are increasing and expanding across Europe simultaneously to human activity impacting wildlife population numbers, an understanding of how to manage conservation success is required. Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) populations have expanded back into some of their former ranges within Germany through natural re-establishment and reintroductions. Several proven illegal killings of Eurasian lynx (hereafter lynx) in Germany question the acceptance of lynx within one of its former ranges. An online self-administered questionnaire (n = 1195) was distributed across Germany collecting data on demographic factors, knowledge of lynx ecology, feelings on the presence of lynx, and future management of lynx populations. The questionnaire data was analysed through non-parametric tests. The results suggested that acceptance of lynx was similarly high across German states. No significant differences were found in acceptance scores between lynx absence or presence, nor within areas of different lynx re-establishment processes. Age, education, profession, and awareness or experience of lynx attacks were significantly associated with acceptance scores. Longitudinal monitoring would prove beneficial in assessing acceptance levels of this large carnivore amongst the public in Germany. Acceptance of lynx assists in creating a balanced ecosystem where large carnivores and humans can co-exist and share the same landscape.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.jnc.2023.126535
Additional information: For the purpose of open access, the author has applied a CC BY public copyright licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising.
Uncontrolled keywords: attitudes; carnivore human conflict management; human wildlife coexistence; human wildlife interactions; large carnivores; perceptions
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Funders: Economic and Social Research Council (https://ror.org/03n0ht308)
Depositing User: Joseph Tzanopoulos
Date Deposited: 01 Dec 2023 17:11 UTC
Last Modified: 27 Feb 2024 11:30 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/104150 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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