Strategic Management Plan for Wolf (Canis lupus) in Hamedan Province: An Approach to Reducing Human-Wolf Conflicts
Authors
Abstract
In recent years, Wildlife habitat needs to meet critical requirment (water, food, cover and reproduction sites) on the one hand, and human needs to natural lands for developing agricultural, industrial and residential activities on the other hand, have lead to the serious human-wildlife conflicts. Attacks of wolves to human and livestock in Hamedan province is an example of these conflicts. Developing and implementing a consistent strategic management plan in agreement with socio-economic conditions, can be considered as an effective tool to reduce risk of conflicts in the area. In this study, we looked for the strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats to which environmental management of this province is facing and/or will be faced in future. Then we categorized, weighted and analyzed them, using SWOT analysis. Finally, we applied a quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) to prepare an appropriate strategic management plan to remove or reduce the conflicts. Our result suggest three principal strategies including; (i) giving information and awareness to Indigenous communities, (ii) supporting environment-guards, equiping guard-stations, as well as monitoring and patrolling in the area, and (iii) collaboration between Environmental conservation office and related organizations of the province in order to developing and applying a consistent land management plan.
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