Wildlife and humans in outdoor recreational areas near cities
Roland Felix Graf, Claudio Signer, Martina Reifler-Bächtiger, Martin Wyttenbach, Benjamin Sigrist, Reto Rupf
2018
A growing population, sprawling settlements: More and more people go to near-natural green areas in search of relaxation, exercise, or a nature experience. 1-4 Activities like mountain biking and trail running are gaining popularity, and leisure activities are increasingly pursued in the early mornings, late evenings, and at night. Usually visitors use paths. But increasing visitor pressure can also lead to the creation of informal trails outside the official path and road network. [5][6][7]
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... turbances can weaken entire wildlife populations Human activities can influence wildlife in various ways. The term «anthropogenic disturbance» is used when human activities affect wildlife negatively. Impacts differ between both species and individuals, and they also depend on the type, intensity, and predictability of disturbances. 8, 9 Anthropogenic disturbances can affect an individual animal directly, but in the longer term they can also influence entire wildlife populations. Direct responses to disturbances include increased vigilance, 10-12 flight, 13-17 changed spatial behaviour 18-22 changed patterns of activity, 21, 23, 24 avoidance of much frequented routes, 25, 26 or shifting of daytime periods of activity to the night hours. 25 Recurring or sustained disturbances increase the release of stress hormones in wildlife. [27] [28][29] Chronically elevated levels of stress hormones can negatively affect reproduction, the immune system, and the survival of wildlife. 29 Studies of various wildlife species have found disturbance to result in reduced population densities and reproduction rates, 30, 31 increased energy expenditure, 32-35 and weakened physical condition. 36, 37 In addition, disturbance can also influence feeding behaviour and food intake. 11, 24, 26 Outdoor recreational areas in the vicinity of cities buzz with activity, not only during the day, but also in the early mornings, late evenings, and even at night. This puts pressure on wild animals and their habitats. Roe deer are less active and many wildlife species are losing habitat in areas heavily frequented by humans. Wildlife refuges, restricted accessibility, and visitor management can improve living conditions for wildlife. Wildlife and humans in outdoor recreational areas near cities
doi:10.21256/zhaw-3577
fatcat:dp4phb7zlrdkhl7dxyrlaebeda