Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2018, Environment and Natural Resources

Human intolerance of wildlife is often associated with negative interactions (i.e., conflict) between humans and wildlife. While many studies of these conflicts focus on which species are involved and the extent of damage caused, few studies focus on understanding the psychological factors that shape how people talk about or “frame” such negative interactions. This investigation seeks to understand how situational-specific factors (e.g., the nature, extent, and frequency of previous interactions) and underlying psychological factors, such as wildlife value orientations, impact an individual's framing of reported problems with wildlife. Using data from a survey of residents living in Washington state, we performed a mixed-methods analysis of 1,837 responses to an open-ended question asking participants to describe the problems they have experienced with wildlife near their homes. Environmental context (place of residence) played a role in the types of species and interactions that an individual identifies. Additionally, there is evidence that demographic (e.g., sex, age) and psychological factors impact what interactions may be the most salient to an individual. These results also indicate nuisance interactions, such as yard or structural damage, may be the most commonly experienced across groups. Other studies have found that nuisance interactions have greatest potential for social conflict over appropriate management decisions and acceptability of lethal control. Experience and engagement in attempts to mitigate problems with wildlife may explain some of this variability. Finally, recognizing the needs of both humans and wildlife was positively associated with describing a mitigation strategy, suggesting acceptance of “problems with wildlife” may be dependent on the ability of the individual to identify effective mitigation strategies.

Committee: Alia Dietsch PhD (Advisor); Robyn Wilson PhD (Committee Member); Jeremy Bruskotter PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Wildlife Conservation; Wildlife Management

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2024, Civil Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

Deer-vehicle crashes (DVCs) pose a persistent coexistence challenge between humans and wildlife, often resulting in human casualties, injuries, and property damage. Within the State of Ohio, DVCs are a significant concern, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of high-risk areas and influential factors to develop effective countermeasures. This study focuses on grade separated intersections, chosen for their hazardous nature due to higher traffic volume and complexity, as well as their structural similarities to overpass wildlife crossing structures. This research investigates the significant factors impacting DVCs at or near grade-separated intersections by conducting a case study in the Appalachian region of Ohio. The factors examined were categorized into four groups: type of grade separated intersection, roadway factors, land cover factors, and distance to nearest land cover factors. Spatial analysis techniques, including Getis-Ord Gi* Hot Spot analysis and Kernel Density Estimation, were utilized to analyze the clustering patterns of DVCs across the State of Ohio. The purpose of this analysis was to identify specific sites for further investigation and assessment. As a result, a total of 64 sites were chosen as study sites for further analysis. The study employed a Poisson regression model to analyze DVCs between major over and major under grade separated intersections. The results suggest that the rate of DVCs decreases by a factor of 0.684 when the condition of the intersection changes from major under to major over. The study utilized factorial ANOVA to evaluate roadway factors and their influence on DVCs. It was found that major roadway traffic volume, minor roadway shoulder type, and major roadway median width were significant factors affecting DVC occurrence. Additionally, the study identified forest and crop area percentages as statistically significant predictors of DVCs through factorial ANOVA. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the distance to (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Deborah McAvoy (Advisor); Gaurav Sinha (Committee Member); Daniel Che (Committee Member); Bhaven Naik (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering; Transportation; Transportation Planning

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2019, Environmental Studies (Voinovich)

The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) unlike other Catheritidae family members who only consume carrion, is known to harm injured, orphaned or vulnerable livestock. Historically only present in pocket populations in southwestern Ohio, the Black Vulture has been expanding its range to the north and east. This project had two goals. First, we conducted a survey of livestock farmers to assess whether the presence or absence of Black Vultures influenced their perceptions of the species as a source of loss. Second, we aimed to determine the range expansion of Black Vultures using data from the Breeding Bird Survey and eBird to determine the current range of the Black Vulture. We found that although the Black Vulture is not currently a major threat to livestock farmers in Ohio, it is still a threat that needs to be managed. Furthermore, the Black Vulture's range is expanding based on evidence from Breeding Bird Survey, eBird and counties in which reported experiencing the Black Vulture on their farm. Thus, as the Black Vulture expands its range throughout Ohio and other bordering states, there is a rising risk of negative interactions with livestock. Management implications and practices were also investigated and found that USFWS recommended effigies and the use of dogs on a farm were beneficial to farmers facing Black Vultures.

Committee: Donald Miles Dr. (Committee Chair) Subjects: Agricultural Education; Biology; Livestock; Wildlife Conservation; Wildlife Management; Zoology

Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, 2018, Sociology (Arts and Sciences)

According to the Wildlife Land Trust (2015) more than one million animals are illegally killed each year. This criminal activity, known as poaching, threatens the survival of targeted species, as well as the biodiversity of the ecosystems to which they belong, the livelihood of local communities, and even national security. Considering the unprecedented rates across the globe, the urgency to find solutions has intensified. Although efforts have been predominately led by wildlife conservationists and biologists, given the anthropocentric nature of poaching, in this paper I call for an interdisciplinary approach incorporating an environmental sociological perspective and analysis. Grounded in social conflict theory and green criminology, I explore various forms of inequality to examine the ecological, economic, and social contexts in which poaching occur. Furthermore, I utilize symbolic interactionism to investigate how the construction of these factors may influence the participation in and perpetuation of this illegal activity. While there are countless species affected by poaching, I specifically analyze the poaching of one of the most emotive megafauna and largest living land animal, the African elephant (Loxodonta africana and Loxodonta cyclotic) (Blanc, 2008). Using a mixed methods approach comprised of multiple regression analysis and textual content analysis, I evaluate secondary data from the thirty-seven African countries in which these species inhabit. Findings reveal that agricultural land proportion, gross domestic product, female literacy, democracy, and male unemployment are significant predictors of poaching. The results of this research seek to inform national anti-poaching policy and practice, as well as international collaboration and activism to comprehensively address this complex criminal offense whose consequences transcend species, boundaries, and time.

Committee: Stephen Scanlan (Committee Chair) Subjects: Sociology