HUMAN-WOLF CONFLICT AND COEXISTENCE IN THE PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE REGION, NUU-CHAH-NULTH TRADITIONAL TERRITORY, VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Date
2024-10-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0000-0002-4179-7234
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Doctoral
Abstract
Protected areas situated at the urban-wilderness interface present unique wildlife conservation opportunities and challenges. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (PRNPR) occupies the traditional lands of nine First Nations and adjoins two tourist communities on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. This geography presents a complex task of balancing rights of First Nation communities, residents, and park visitors, while upholding the ecological integrity mandate of the Parks Canada Agency. Human-wolf interactions typify these challenges because of re-established wolf populations, increased residential development, and perpetuation of behaviors by residents and visitors that habituate wolves and puts wolves’ survival at risk. The objectives of this research were to: (1) define “conflict” and “coexistence”, and their influencing factors, (2) better understand local residents’ and visitors’ sentiments regarding wolves and their management, (3) characterize ways that PRNPR and partner Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations can weave Nuu-chah-nulth Knowledge and local best practices into conflict-mitigation and long-term coexistence strategies, and (4) identify and present a human-wolf coexistence framework that foster ongoing collaboration and relationship building. These objectives were addressed using a mixed-methods approach involving semi-structured interviews (n=32) and a collaborative workshop. Throughout this dissertation, I share important insights across all these objectives, some of which include: (1) co-produced definitions and parameters of conflict and coexistence (objective 1, 2, and 3), (2) unique findings showing the high level of tolerance and excitement for wolves, but that conflicts are primarily being led by pro-wolf people and groups (objectives 1 and 2), and (3) a co-identified path toward more effective cross-cultural collaboration in state-led efforts around human-wildlife interactions (objectives 3 and 4). Results will inform future efforts on human-wolf coexistence and relationship building among Parks Canada, First Nations, and rights- and stakeholder groups.
Description
Keywords
Wolves, Conservation Social Science, Human-Wildlife Interactions, Human Dimensions, First Nations, Collaboration, Participatory Action Research, Protected Areas
Citation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
School of Environment and Sustainability
Program
Environment and Sustainability