| Abstract: | The science and management of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the Rocky Mountains of North America have spawned considerable conflict and controversy. Much of this can be attributed to divergent public values, but the narrow perceptions and incomplete and fragmented problem definitions of those involved have exacerbated an inherently difficult situation. We present a conceptual model that extends the traditional description of the grizzly bear conservation system to include facets of the human domain such as the behavior of managers, elected officials, and the public. The model focuses on human-caused mortality, the key determinant of grizzly bear population growth in this region and the interactions and feedback loops among humans that have a major potential influence on bear mortality. We also briefly evaluate existing information and technical methods relevant to understanding this complex human-biophysical system. We observe not only that the extant knowledge is insufficient for prediction (and in some cases for description), but also that traditional positivistic science alone is not adequate for dealing with the problems of grizzly bear conservation. We recommend changes in science and management that could improve learning and responsiveness among the involved individuals and organizations, clarify some existing uncertainty, and thereby increase the effectiveness of grizzly bear conservation and management. Although adaptive management is a promising approach, we point out some keya??as yet unfulfilleda??contingencies for implementation of a method such as this one that relies upon social processes and structures that promote open learning and flexibility in all facets of the policy process. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 1015685 |
| Citation Author: | Mattson, D. J.; Herrero, S.; Wright, R. G.; Pease, C. M. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center |
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| Citation End Page: | 1025 |
| Citation Issue: | 4 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Conservation Biology |
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| Citation Month: | AUG |
| Citation No Pagination: | |
| Citation Number Of Pages: | 13 |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | p. 1013-1025 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Science and management of Rocky Mountain grizzly bears; 1996; Article; Journal; Conservation Biology; Mattson, D. J.; Herrero, S.; Wright, R. G.; Pease, C. M. |
| Citation Start Page: | 1013 |
| Citation Volume: | 10 |
| Citation Year: | 1996 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Science and management of Rocky Mountain grizzly bears; 1996; Article; Journal; Conservation Biology; Mattson, D. J.; Herrero, S.; Wright, R. G.; Pease, C. M. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Mon, 1 Jan 1996 00:00 -0600 |
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