Human dimensions in wolf management in Croatia: understanding public attitudes toward wolves over time and space

Majić, Aleksandra (2007) Human dimensions in wolf management in Croatia: understanding public attitudes toward wolves over time and space. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Most of human dimensions studies are one-shot case studies that focus on how attitudes and beliefs vary across different interest groups. As such they fail to allow for more spatially flexible management, comparisons of data and evaluations of implemented activities. Consequently such human dimensions studies fail to fairly inform management as a dynamic and goal-driven process. We carried out personal structured interviews with the residents of three regions within the Croatian wolf range in 1999 (n=1209) and repeated the study in 2003 (n=1172). We found that atti1udes were more positive in the north (Gorski Kotar) than in the southern regions (Lika and Dalmatia). Beliefs did not vary amongst the three regions. Fear of wolves was the strongest predictor of attitudes. Knowledge was not important in predicting attitudes but did influence fear of wolves. Changes in attitudes were documented in Lika and Dalmatia with attitudes shifting towards more neutral position. Using human dimensions: research as an evaluative tool can help the managers to be more adaptive and thus effective in their management solutions.

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