216
bear observation index in itself does not tell us very much about the exact number
of bears in the woods, but it indicates the dynamics of the bear population in a given
area over time. Together with results from dropping surveys, trends from observation indices can be used to estimate bear population size in the counties in different
years (Kindberg 2010).
Reports from the Public
Citizen science, the collection of scientific data by members of the public on a voluntary basis, has many advantages. Data collection is relatively cheap, interested
individuals have the possibility to participate in what they feel is important, and
science and the public get a common knowledge base. It is a goal of the large carnivore management system in both Norway and Sweden to include the public in the
survey of large carnivores.
In Sweden, the importance of the general public as rapporteurs increases from
the north to the south. In the north, there are fewer reports from the public as fewer
people live there. However, as there is snow cover for longer in the north it is possible for professional trackers to work effectively and successfully. Furthermore, the
compensation system for reindeer herders demands that any observation of large
carnivores has to be checked and verified by County Administration field personal
in order for compensation payments to be made. Also in the north, public reports of
lynx family groups and of wolves play an important part in the surveillance of these
species.
The public, at least the part interested in hunting, is an important player when it
comes to the surveillance of brown bears. Bear dropping surveys depend largely on
samples collected by the public and bear observation indices are similarly based on
bear sightings reported by the public.
Most golden eagle surveillance is undertaken by ornithologists. It is debatable if
these people still can be looked upon as “the public”, as many of them are specially
trained and have huge experience in the field. However, most of their work is carried
out on a voluntary basis.
In order to make it easier for the public to report their sightings of carnivores, an
internet site has been launched where observations can be reported (www.skandobs.se).
Also, an application has been developed for mobile phones, which can be used for
reporting directly in the field.
Attitude Surveys
Among other things, human attitudes depend on the levels of predator damage to
dogs, livestock, reindeer and game animals, on actual or perceived threats to
humans, and on local levels of involvement during decision making. Many people
have strong feelings towards large carnivores. These feelings may be positive or
M. Schneider and H. Dettki
bear observation index in itself does not tell us very much about the exact number
of bears in the woods, but it indicates the dynamics of the bear population in a given
area over time. Together with results from dropping surveys, trends from observation indices can be used to estimate bear population size in the counties in different
years (Kindberg 2010).
Reports from the Public
Citizen science, the collection of scientific data by members of the public on a voluntary basis, has many advantages. Data collection is relatively cheap, interested
individuals have the possibility to participate in what they feel is important, and
science and the public get a common knowledge base. It is a goal of the large carnivore management system in both Norway and Sweden to include the public in the
survey of large carnivores.
In Sweden, the importance of the general public as rapporteurs increases from
the north to the south. In the north, there are fewer reports from the public as fewer
people live there. However, as there is snow cover for longer in the north it is possible for professional trackers to work effectively and successfully. Furthermore, the
compensation system for reindeer herders demands that any observation of large
carnivores has to be checked and verified by County Administration field personal
in order for compensation payments to be made. Also in the north, public reports of
lynx family groups and of wolves play an important part in the surveillance of these
species.
The public, at least the part interested in hunting, is an important player when it
comes to the surveillance of brown bears. Bear dropping surveys depend largely on
samples collected by the public and bear observation indices are similarly based on
bear sightings reported by the public.
Most golden eagle surveillance is undertaken by ornithologists. It is debatable if
these people still can be looked upon as “the public”, as many of them are specially
trained and have huge experience in the field. However, most of their work is carried
out on a voluntary basis.
In order to make it easier for the public to report their sightings of carnivores, an
internet site has been launched where observations can be reported (www.skandobs.se).
Also, an application has been developed for mobile phones, which can be used for
reporting directly in the field.
Attitude Surveys
Among other things, human attitudes depend on the levels of predator damage to
dogs, livestock, reindeer and game animals, on actual or perceived threats to
humans, and on local levels of involvement during decision making. Many people
have strong feelings towards large carnivores. These feelings may be positive or
M. Schneider and H. Dettki