Exploring the conservation ethics of mute swan management
Lethal control of invasive species
Globalization has made it easier for species to be introduced into new habitats, and invasive species are now considered one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. Invasive species pose, at a minimum, substantial risks to ecosystems, economies, and human livelihoods. U.S. state fish and wildlife agencies have focused great attention on preventing exotic species introductions and establishment. However, predicting whether, when, and how a species will become invasive is difficult. As a result, rapid response to perceived invasions is prevalent and lethal eradication is perhaps the most common management activity in a post-invasion situation.
Because the conservation ethics process of formal argument analysis critically depends on understanding the nature and possible influence of various reasons for stakeholders’ preferred policy, analyzing online mass media sets the groundwork for more formal conservation ethics argument analysis.
This research stream characterized which stakeholder groups aligned with particular arguments for or against lethal control. Such insight may allow managers to tailor and direct messaging to specific audiences.
Jager, C., Nelson, M. P., Goralnik, A., and M. L. Gore. (2016). Michigan mute swan management: A conservation ethics case study to understand contentious natural resource management issues. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 21(3). DOI: 10.1080/10871209.2015.1129679.