Understanding Romanian hunters' cognitive components toward large carnivores in the Făgăraș Mountains, Romania

Riener, Jacqueline (2019) Understanding Romanian hunters' cognitive components toward large carnivores in the Făgăraș Mountains, Romania. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

In 2016, the Romanian government introduced a trophy hunting ban on large carnivores throughout Romania causing an uproar in the hunting community. Romanian hunters have been responsible for managing large carnivores and feel this responsibility has been taken from their hands. The overarching goal of this thesis is to understand the hunters’ cognitive components (attitudes, beliefs, and emotions) and acceptable management approaches regarding large carnivores in Romania. A mixed method approach was utilized where quantitative questionnaires (n=512) were distributed to Romanian hunters , and qualitative interviews (n=11) occurred with presidents of hunting associations and directors of wildlife management in the Făgăraș Mountains area. Hunters’ cognitive components and acceptability toward management approaches fluctuate depending on species and context. Human Dimensions of Wildlife research helped in understanding the relationship between human and large carnivores and has acted as a voice for Romanian hunters in the debate toward these species.

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