The human dimensions of a proposed restoration of European bison in Germany and a comparison of European expert and German public preferences for characteristics and methods of public involvement

Abstract

Human dimensions of wildlife management research and associated public involvement tools can reduce conflicts between interest groups and help to understand public attitudes and beliefs. The proposed restoration of free-ranging European bison (Bison bonasus) in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany presents an opportunity to explore human dimensions issues and address questions pertaining to public involvement. -- Randomly distributed questionnaires (n = 398) were used to assess attitudes and beliefs of residents surrounding the proposed restoration area. Residents from Siegen-Wittgenstein held significantly higher attitude and knowledge scores than Hochsauerlandkreis (HSK) respondents. Attitudes comprised general attitude and lifestyle impact factors. General fear of bison had greatest influence on attitudes. -- In the second aspect of the study, interviews with residents surrounding the proposed bison area (n = 246) and questionnaires distributed to European experts (n = 46) were used to assess preferences for characteristics and methods of public involvement. Few differences were found between Siegen-Wittgenstein and HSK. Significant differences were found between American and German public preferences and between European expert and German public preferences.