Conservation Science and Practice (Nov 2021)
Persistent negative stakeholder perspectives limit recovery of a critically endangered carnivore
Abstract
Abstract The human component in endangered species conservation has the potential to significantly limit the ability to achieve recovery of these species globally. Across the Great Plains of North America there have been significant declines in populations of several grassland‐obligate species, including the black‐tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) and the critically endangered black‐footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). Social surveys conducted in Montana, USA, 27 years ago, immediately prior to reintroduction of black‐footed ferrets, described widely differing attitudes and knowledge among stakeholder groups—with most local and state residents being opposed to conservation and recovery of these two wildlife species. We conducted a mail survey replicating methods of the 1993 study to assess current attitudes and knowledge concerning prairie dogs and black‐footed ferrets among five stakeholder groups (local and statewide ranchers, urban and local residents, and members of conservation organizations). Our results demonstrate that despite concerted outreach efforts and a general rise in knowledge about black‐footed ferrets and prairie dogs across stakeholder groups, similar differences in attitudes persisted among stakeholder groups over time, with local stakeholders adjacent to recovery sites maintaining the most negative attitudes. We also observed that local stakeholders supported a significantly shorter time threshold (<10 years) for abandoning efforts to restore an endangered species should recovery goals not be met. Given the reliance on local public support for conserving these species, and other endangered species globally, our findings highlight the importance of continually reassessing stakeholder attitudes and knowledge over time to assess challenges and identify opportunities for endangered species restoration.
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