Illegal killing of nongame wildlife and recreational shooting in conservation areas

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Katzner, Todd E.; Carlisle, Jay D.; Poessel, Sharon A.; Thomason, Eve C.; Pauli, Benjamin P.; Pilliod, David S.; Belthoff, James R.; Heath, Julie A.; Parker, Kristina J.; Warner, Kevin S.; Hayes, Heather M.; Aberg, Madeline C.; Ortiz, Patricia A.; Amdor, Sandra M.; Alsup, Steven E.; Coates, Stephanie E.; Miller, Tricia A.; Duran, Zoe K.

Source:

Conservation Science and Practice, p.e279 (2020)

Call Number:

A20KAT01IDUS

Keywords:

conservation area, illegal killing, Long-billed Curlew, natural area, Numenius americanus, poaching, protected area, reacreational shooting

Abstract:

Illegal killing of nongame wildlife is a global yet poorly documented problem. The prevalence and ecological consequences of illegal killing are often underestimated or completely unknown. We review the practice of legal recreational shooting and present data gathered from telemetry, surveys, and observations on its association with illegal killing of wildlife (birds and snakes) within conservation areas in Idaho, USA. In total, 33% of telemetered long‐billed curlews (Numenius americanus) and 59% of other bird carcasses found with known cause of death (or 32% of total) were illegally shot. Analysis of spatial distributions of illegal and legal shooting is consistent with birds being shot illegally in the course of otherwise legal recreational shooting, but snakes being intentionally sought out and targeted elsewhere, in locations where they congregate. Preliminary public surveys indicate that most recreational shooters find abhorrent the practice of illegal killing of wildlife. Viewed through this lens, our data may imply only a small fraction of recreational shooters is responsible for this activity. This study highlights a poorly known conservation problem that could have broad implications for some species and populations of wildlife.

Notes:

Electronic File - Zoology: Multiple Species
(Online Version of Record before inclusion in an issue; could replace this once officially published.)
If needed for CSE style:
Funding:
US Geological Survey, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Army National Guard
Author affiliations:
US Geological Survey (Boise), Idaho Bird Observatory (Boise), BSU's Raptor Research Center (Boise), Saint Mary's University's Biology Dept (Winona, MN), BSU's Biology Dept, Idaho Army National Guard (Boise), Conservation Science Global (Cape May, NJ), West Virginia University's Division of Forestry & Natural Resources (Morgantown, WV).