Reconceptualizing human-wildlife interaction places and bonds through ecopsychology: Healthy reciprocal relationships

Abstract

Abstract Human-wildlife interaction (HWI) places and bonds are often constructed on anthropocentric principles, which disregard wildlife agency and flourishing. This article explores how humans perceive wildlife and highlights the pitfalls of wildlife commodification and objectification within capitalist, progress-driven societies. As multiple environmental and wildlife pressures and disasters emerge, a reconceptualization of HWI is necessary. An alternative view of HWIs is examined using radical ecopsychology, which invites a reflective look at the intrinsic issues of human exceptionalism and entitlement. The aspirations towards ethical, respectful and healthy relationships are explored, requiring transformative change that amplifies both wildlife voices and those of Indigenous custodians. Reframing human-wildlife relationships through radical ecopsychological principles, invites a fundamental shift in the way that humans perceive and interact with wildlife, and works towards collective dignity and flourishing.

Keywords

• wildlife
• human-wildlife interactions
• reciprocal flourishing
• wildlife agency
• wildlife justice
• anthropocentrism versus ecocentrism