Abstract
We integrate ecological and sociological methodology, and develop a novel approach that can aid in human-related conflicts when species re-colonize. Our approach uses quantitative data to generate habitat suitability, potential reserves and areas of conflict. As case studies, we apply the resulting tool box to lynx and wolves. Although the integration per se is a novel approach, ecological and sociological methods used to generate data are by no means new. We have documented experience of interdisciplinary research and management and work in conjunction with on-going biological research. We first assess critical habitat factors in the core distribution areas, along the perimeter and in predicted expansion areas for the carni-vores. Second, we assess the human attitude towards the carnivores along the distribution gradient. Third, we overlay the attitude, biological, geological and physical landscape data sets in a geographical information system (GIS). Fourth, we determine the relative strength of attitudes toward carnivores in relation to each other and to other environtal attitude objects.
Sweden