What is the evidence of human-wildlife interactions with wild mesocarnivores in Africa? A systematic map protocol

Hunton, V., Erskine, L., Hamill, K., James, K.L., Randall, N.P. and Williams, E. (2025) What is the evidence of human-wildlife interactions with wild mesocarnivores in Africa? A systematic map protocol. Proceed Evidence.

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Abstract

Mesocarnivores are small and mid-sized carnivores with a body mass of <15kg (Roemer et al., 2009). A large and taxonomically diverse group, they play an important role in the ecosystem (Curveira-Santos et al., 2021). Despite this, they are understudied (Marneweck et al., 2022) and scientists have identified Africa, where ~30% of mesocarnivores are experiencing decreasing population trends (San et al., 2013), as an area where further research on mesocarnivores is particularly needed (San et al., 2022). Conflict with humans is one significant reason for the decline in mesocarnivore populations (Marneweck et al., 2022). They are persecuted by humans for real or perceived damage to anthropogenic resources such as livestock, crops and valuable game species (Streicher et al., 2021) and for their potential to transmit disease (Roemer et al., 2009). Although the literature has predominantly focused on human-wildlife conflict (Konig et al., 2020), human-wildlife interactions (HWIs) may also include neutral or positive interactions (Redpath et al., 2015). Positive HWIs may result from the cultural significance attached to the species (Bhatia et al., 2020) or the ecosystem services provided by them, such as waste removal, seed dispersal and pest control (Marneweck et al., 2022). Whilst HWIs with large carnivores have been well researched, much less scientific attention has been paid to mesocarnivores (Lozano et al., 2019). Almost one third of mesocarnivores are threatened with extinction (Marneweck et al., 2021). With the increasing frequency of HWIs due to changes in land use (Streicher et al., 2021), research is required to better understand HWIs with mesocarnivores in order to develop strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and safeguard mesocarnivores. This systematic map will provide an overview of the existing research on HWIs with African mesocarnivores. The map is designed to inform future research to support landowners, conservation professionals and other decision-makers involved in mesocarnivore management.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	‘Full text not available from this repository.’
Keywords:	Africa, mesocarnivores, human-wildlife interactions, human-wildlife conflict, ecosystem services
Divisions:	Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare (from 1.09.21)
Depositing User:	Mrs Susan Howe
Date Deposited:	23 Jul 2025 16:39
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2025 16:39
URI:	https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18241

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