Wildlife in the urban environment: from habituation to conflict

Abstract As the human population undergoes a process of urbanization, this causes a fundamental change in human-wildlife relations. (1) The environmental change leads to conflicts between species of wildlife and humans. Some species have adapted to urban environments to the extent that allows them to survive and, in some species, even thrive. (2) The process of urbanization depends on the characteristics of the urban environment, mainly the supply of food and water, suitable places for growing and roosting, and a sense of security. (3) The relationships between humans and urban wildlife are very complex, and they lead to conflicts between humans and wildlife. Vague complaints from residents after encounters with wild animals often result in an ineffective response from local authorities. (4) To protect both city residents and wildlife, municipalities must take the following actions: (a) Municipalities and stakeholders should receive professional advice before taking action. (b) All stakeholders, including wildlife conservation organizations, municipalities, and city residents, must cooperate in reducing the environmental conditions that create conflicts with urban wildlife. (c) Municipalities and stakeholders must leverage valuable information from the wealth of literature on urban wildlife ecology and mammal and bird management to develop targeted programs.