When Drivers and Terrapins Collide: Assessing Stakeholder Attitudes Toward Wildlife Management on the Jekyll Island Causeway

Roads are a pervasive fixture on most landscapes and frequently impact wildlife. Management of road effects on wildlife should consider the attitudes and areas of contention among various stakeholders using the road. To inform future management of road impacts on the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human dimensions of wildlife 2015-01, Vol.20 (1), p.1-14
Main Authors: Crawford, Brian A, Poudyal, Neelam C, Maerz, John C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
aesthetics
attitudes
attitudes and opinions
Automobile drivers
Collisions
diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)
Emydidae
Landscape ecology
landscapes
Malaclemys terrapin
potential for conflict index
Reptiles & amphibians
road management
roads
Roads & highways
stakeholders
wildlife
Wildlife conservation
wildlife management
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Summary:Roads are a pervasive fixture on most landscapes and frequently impact wildlife. Management of road effects on wildlife should consider the attitudes and areas of contention among various stakeholders using the road. To inform future management of road impacts on the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), a species of conservation concern, we surveyed stakeholder groups on Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA to measure overall attitudes and value orientations relating to terrapin management and to evaluate the acceptability and potential for conflict among user groups regarding specific management alternatives. A majority of respondents supported the protection of terrapins, although support varied by group membership and value orientation. Specific actions that did not impact speed limits or road aesthetics were most acceptable, but substantial conflict existed for most strategies. We intend to use these results to improve communication and buy-in of stakeholders as we develop management alternatives for the diamondback terrapin on Jekyll Island.
ISSN:1533-158X
1087-1209
1533-158X
DOI:10.1080/10871209.2014.948103