Open AccessEngaging active stakeholders in implementation of community‐based conservation: Whooping crane management in Texas, USA
Author(s) -
Bernacchi Leigh A.,
Ragland Chara J.,
Peterson Tarla R.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
wildlife society bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.578
H-Index - 82
ISSN - 1938-5463
DOI - 10.1002/wsb.565
Subject(s) - wildlife , endangered species , north american model of wildlife conservation , wildlife conservation , wildlife management , stakeholder , business , agency (philosophy) , environmental resource management , environmental planning , public relations , geography , habitat , political science , ecology , sociology , social science , environmental science , biology
Engaging a variety of wildlife stakeholders in the implementation of conservation plans is an increasingly frequent activity of wildlife managers. In some cases, stakeholders develop interdependent relationships with a species being managed by the wildlife agency, usually when the species is economically important. We studied the potential for engaging stakeholders in the implementation of community‐based conservation in the winter habitat of the federally endangered whooping crane ( Grus americana ) to better understand the relationships between stakeholders (including landowners and nongovernmental organizations) and wildlife managers when working with charismatic species that provide local economic value. In May–September 2010, we interviewed 35 Texas individuals interested in crane conservation, and then analyzed transcripts using both a priori and emergent coding techniques. We found that active stakeholders were eager to work with wildlife managers because of the charismatic and economic values they attributed to the whooping crane. We also found that these stakeholders responded positively to agency intervention for the purpose of sharing expert knowledge and providing stakeholders with standing in the dynamically complex management practices surrounding the species and ecosystem. By recognizing the interests of active stakeholders, wildlife managers can expand opportunities for positive public participation in efforts to conserve and restore endangered species populations. They can improve community relations by building on already existing positive perceptions of relationships between humans and wildlife. © 2015 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by The Wildlife Society.