Messmer, Terry A.

Tomeček, John

English

DigitalCommons@USU

Human–Wildlife Interactions 12(2):299–300, Fall 2018 • digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwiCall for PapersThe science and culture of predation management has changed considerably in the past several decades. Advances in understanding of carnivore ecology have shed light on the broad impacts of lethal removal. A deeper appreciation for the role of these predatory species in their ecosystems has increased societal valuation for their presence and changed the support for the historical predator eradication-centric policies. Nevertheless, the need to manage carnivore predation on livestock and sensitive wildlife requires the availability of effective methods based in sound science.In efforts to provide sustainable, ecologically friendly predation, livestock raisers adopted many techniques. Among these are livestock guardian dogs (LGDs). An ancient tool, its roots lost in the mists of history, LGDs have been used quite successfully for millennia by livestock raisers to deter predation by wild carnivores. This technique was introduced in earnest to North America in the 1970s. Dr. Raymond Coppinger pioneered LGD research as well as a scientific understanding of how and why LGDs act as effective predation management tools. Given the passing of Dr. Coppinger and the recent expansion in LGD research, it is appropriate to assess the current state of our knowledge regarding LGDs. Human–Wildlife Interactions (HWI) is interested in publishing a special issue that highlights the latest science in the understanding and application of LGDs as a non-lethal predation management tool for livestock raisers. We seek to incorporate a diversity of research and experiences from across the world, in varied ecological systems, sociopolitical climates, livestock production systems, and wildlife management goals. HWI has recruited John M. Tomeček, Ph.D., to serve as associate editor for this special issue. He is an assistant professor and extension wildlife specialist at Texas A&M University and leads the Texas Carnivore Ecology Laboratory. He can be contacted at 325-650-3520 or tomecek@tamu.edu. For additional information about the special issue section, contact Terry Messmer, HWI Editor-in-Chief, at terry.messmer@usu.edu.Special Topic: Advancing the Science of Livestock Guardian DogsSubmit Your ManuscriptThe submission deadline for contributing a research article, case study, opinion, commentary, or other manuscript for this special issue is December 31, 2018. View the author submission guidelines and submit your manuscript online at digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi. 300 Human–Wildlife Interactions 12(2)Call for PapersThere are several wildlife species that occur worldwide that live in close association with humans, including several rat species, house mice, pigeons, crows, and starlings, to name a few. Some of them such as rats, mice, and starlings are considered pests around farms, ranches, and homes. Others, such a pigeons, are concerns for human health. These are commonly are referred to as “commensal vertebrate pests” because of their intimate relationships with and dependence on humans.Society has existed with commensal rodents as far back as written history. We have sought to control their populations to decrease damage to crops as well as protect human health. The last century brought many changes in the techniques used to manage vertebrate pests, including new trapping methods and new chemicals to increase mortality. The last century also brought changes to laws and regulations regarding management and control. However, in recent decades, there have been innovative responses to changing laws, increased human populations, and available technology.Human–Wildlife Interactions is interested in publishing a special issue about education programs, activities, and research that highlights the impacts of new technological advances and monitoring programs, and changing management regulations contributing to mitigating damage and human health concerns caused by commensal rodents. We hope by highlighting these efforts, we can better identify how public and private agencies and organizations can assist affected stakeholders in mitigating the impacts of commensal vertebrate pests in a dynamic environment also faced with a changing climate.For additional information about this special issue’s focus, contact S. Nicole Frey, HWI Associate Editor, at nicki.frey@usu.edu, or Terry Messmer, HWI Editor-in-Chief, at terry.messmer@usu.edu.Special Topic: Commensal Vertebrate Pests Submit Your ManuscriptThe submission deadline for contributing a research article, case study, opinion, commentary, or other manuscript for this special issue is March 1, 2019. View the author submission guidelines and submit your manuscript online at digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi. 

Special Topic: Advancing the Science of Livestock Guardian Dogs

https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1512&amp;context=hwi

Special Topic: Advancing the Science of Livestock Guardian Dogs

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