Compilation and prioritizing human-wildlife conflict management strategies using the WASPAS method in Iran

Abstract

Wildlife habitats provide several essential services, and humans’ needs for development cause a growing conflict with wildlife. Formulating and prioritizing strategies improve conflict management and save time and costs. We used the experts’ opinions to formulate strategies. 45 management strategies were extracted that formed a decision matrix. These strategies were evaluated by 40 experts using the five-point Likert range in five criteria, i.e., productivity or efficiency, adaptability, running costs, social acceptability, and sustainability. Strategies were prioritized by forming a decision matrix and inserting it into WASPAS software. The selected strategies are “training environmentalists, waste management, empowering the local economy, modifying hunting laws, land use planning before project executions, training local communities, social-based management, training tour guides and tourists, modifying tourism-related laws, banning alien species, and road management.” Conflict is a complex phenomenon, and managing it requires multiple strategies. Therefore, combining several strategies can increase the chances of successful conflict management.

Keywords

• Wildlife management
• Multi-criteria decision making
• Wildlife habitats
• Conservation