Using Behavioral Ecology To Minimize Human-Wildlife Conflict in a Major Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Urbanization has transformed landscapes globally, fragmenting habitat and reducing natural resource availability for native wildlife populations. At the same time, the percentage of humans living in an urban environment continues to increase, bringing more humans in close contact with species facing limited resources. As a result, human-wildlife conflict is a growing concern worldwide. For many wildlife species, urbanization can result in habitat loss and population decline, as well as sickness, injury, or mortality resulting from conflict. I studied human-wildlife relationships in Tucson, AZ to better understand how wildlife in Tucson adapt to urbanization and gauge resident responses to wildlife in Tucson. My studies are focused on bobcat (Lynx rufus), coyote (Canis latrans), and collared peccary, or javelina (Pecari tajacu), due to government concern regarding human-wildlife conflict involving these three species. To identify root causes of human-wildlife conflict in urban environments and evaluate which strategies are most effective for reducing conflict, I conducted a literature review of non-lethal deterrent techniques used by urban residents and managers to mitigate human-carnivore conflict. I additionally deployed wildlife cameras in ephemeral stream corridors in and around Tucson to better understand how urbanization affects mammalian use of riparian corridors. Finally, I distributed a public survey assessing the efficacy of deterrent techniques promoted by state wildlife agencies. Human-wildlife conflict in Tucson overall appears to be low at present based on our study results; riparian corridors in and around the city may help alleviate habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from urbanization by providing natural resources and connectivity between natural areas. Restoration and preservation of riparian corridors may therefore offer a promising strategy for reducing human-wildlife conflict in urban centers.