Climate change as a global amplifier of human–wildlife conflict

Briana Abrahms (), Neil H. Carter, T. J. Clark-Wolf, Kaitlyn M. Gaynor, Erik Johansson, Alex McInturff, Anna C. Nisi, Kasim Rafiq and Leigh West
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Briana Abrahms: University of Washington
Neil H. Carter: University of Michigan
T. J. Clark-Wolf: University of Washington
Kaitlyn M. Gaynor: University of British Columbia
Erik Johansson: University of Washington
Alex McInturff: University of Washington
Anna C. Nisi: University of Washington
Kasim Rafiq: University of Washington
Leigh West: University of Washington

Nature Climate Change, 2023, vol. 13, issue 3, 224-234

Abstract: Abstract Climate change and human–wildlife conflict are both pressing challenges for biodiversity conservation and human well-being in the Anthropocene. Climate change is a critical yet underappreciated amplifier of human–wildlife conflict, as it exacerbates resource scarcity, alters human and animal behaviours and distributions, and increases human–wildlife encounters. We synthesize evidence of climate-driven conflicts occurring among ten taxonomic orders, on six continents and in all five oceans. Such conflicts disrupt both subsistence livelihoods and industrial economies and may accelerate the rate at which human–wildlife conflict drives wildlife declines. We introduce a framework describing distinct environmental, ecological and sociopolitical pathways through which climate variability and change percolate via complex social–ecological systems to influence patterns and outcomes of human–wildlife interactions. Identifying these pathways allows for developing mitigation strategies and proactive policies to limit the impacts of human–wildlife conflict on biodiversity conservation and human well-being in a changing climate.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41558-023-01608-5

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