You are here:
The importance of resident environmental awareness in conservation of urban wildlife populations
Citation:
MORZILLO, A. T. The importance of resident environmental awareness in conservation of urban wildlife populations. Presented at American Society of Mammalogists Annual Meeting, Brookings, SD, June 21 - 25, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
The proximity of humans and wildlife to each other along the wildland-urban interface results in constant potential conflict between human activity and wildlife populations.
Description:
The proximity of humans and wildlife to each other along the wildland-urban interface results in constant potential conflict between human activity and wildlife populations. Since 2002, California biologists have observed a drastic increase in carnivore mortalities that are associated with exposure to compounds found in common for-indoor-use household rodenticide products (e.g. d-Con). During September-November 2007, 9,000 California households and businesses were surveyed in order to evaluate use of household rodenticide products. More than 2,200 surveys were returned, and 52% of respondents indicated use of rodenticides. Target species not only included mice, rats, and squirrels, but also coyote, bobcat, mountain lion, and kit fox. Ten percent of respondents were aware of potential non-target effects of rodenticide products on local wildlife. Although only 30% of all respondents were very concerned about non-target effects, 40% of those who use rodenticide products indicated that they would change their rodenticide use behavior if the products were affecting local wildlife populations. These results supported the notion that disconnect exists between at least some urban residents, their activities, and the local environment. Although some conflict between humans and urban wildlife is expected, efforts to establish a better connection between urban residents and the local environment are important in managing urban wildlife populations and guiding environmental policy.