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Open Access CC BY-NC V4.0
Journal article
Anthropogenic influence and wildlife intervention
Bioscience, biag108
2026
Abstract
It may be difficult to decide when to intervene to assist wildlife facing population, health or welfare threats. At present, decisions about interventions are often based on a binary conception of whether harmful processes are deemed to be "anthropogenic" or "natural," where the former is used to justify intervention. However, this criterion has recently been challenged. First, the longstanding anthropogenic influence of Indigenous peoples has been underestimated. Second, anthropogenic changes are now so deep and wide-ranging that it is unclear if anything can be said to have a wholly "natural" cause. So, using the anthropogenic criterion to underpin wildlife management decisions will be extremely hard to maintain. We use three contemporary case studies from around the world to illustrate these difficulties, and how they can lead to uncertainty and inconsistency in management. We briefly outline possible ways to rethink justifications for wildlife intervention that might better suit the Anthropocene.
Details
- Title
- Anthropogenic influence and wildlife intervention
- Authors/Creators
- Jordan O. Hampton - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityClare Palmer - Texas A&M UniversityBob Fischer - Texas State UniversityChristian Gamborg - Copenhagen Business SchoolPeter Sandoe - University of Copenhagen
- Publication Details
- Bioscience, biag108
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Institute of Biological Sciences.
- Number of pages
- 9
- Identifiers
- 991005909778707891
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2026.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability; School of Veterinary Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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