Complicated relationships: Wildlife management, protection, and control

Session Submission Type: Complete Panel

Abstract

Human attitudes toward wild animals have historically been highly variable; for example within most recent Western cultures, some have been considered beneficial and others harmful. Despite this dichotomy, the populations of many species in both categories have declined sharply from the late 19th century onwards as efforts were made to eradicate harmful animals, and populations of highly valued game animals were severely exploited, even if protected. Accelerating concerns about the disappearance of animal species in the latter part of the 20th century radically altered human relations to at least some wild species. Many previously persecuted animals have become symbols of new kinds of environmental ideas, while wildlife management has used scientific research to define the limits of sustainable hunting and thus maintain the vitality of populations.

This is a standard narrative of successful wildlife management. We will show in this panel, that while this narrative is partially accurate, it also simplifies the history of human-wildlife relations. Although numerous animals, such as many species of large carnivores, have been granted absolution and are nowadays considered charismatic and protected species, there are other species that have become management targets because of the harm they are considered to cause. For example, burgeoning numbers of Canada geese in the US and white-tailed deer in Northern Europe, once appreciated for both their meat and their beauty, have inspired calls for population control. The panel examines these dynamics and mechanisms, especially how wild animal species have been evaluated, and which species are considered worthy of protection and care, while others deserve stricter control or even obliteration.

Sub Unit

• ASEH Annual Conference

Individual Presentations

• How to become an unwanted alien - Tuomas Räsänen, University of Eastern Finland

• Great Fight Shark: Changing Perceptions of Marine Predators - Michaela J Thompson, Harvard/MIT

• The Noble (and Reviled) Canada Goose: Tracing the Transformation of a Conservation Icon - Taylor Bailey, MIT

Chair

• Harriet Ritvo, MIT

Discussant

• Harriet Ritvo, MIT