Acceptability of Wildlife Interventions to Protect Biodiversity and Human and Animal Health in Peri-Urban Nature Parks

Anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat fragmentation and climate change increasingly affect nature park ecosystems. In several Canadian peri-urban nature parks, these pressures contribute to ecological imbalances, including overabundant white-tailed deer populations and emerging tick-borne diseases. Wildlife management interventions can have different purposes such as biodiversity conservation and protection of animal health or human health, but the acceptability of some of them, like culling, can be controversial. This qualitative study explored factors influencing the acceptability of such interventions. Seven focus groups were conducted, involving 22 park users from six peri-urban nature parks in southeastern Québec, Canada. Discussions explored perceptions of current and potential wildlife interventions. Findings revealed that emotional connections to the park and its wildlife, concern for animal welfare, awareness of links between biodiversity, health and human behaviors, trust in science and management authorities, and transparent communication all influence acceptability. Participants showed a strong understanding of ecological issues and their connections to emerging health risks. Fostering understanding among the public and decision-makers, particularly regarding links between ecosystem imbalances and health, is crucial to improving the acceptability of wildlife interventions in peri-urban nature parks. Building on existing public awareness through transparent communication and proactive engagement by managers and scientists remains essential to building trust and supporting effective wildlife management to protect biodiversity and human and animal health.