Educating International Students About the Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management

Abstract

Wildlife managers should be able to understand stakeholders’ needs, motivations, and interests to successfully perform their role. Educating future wildlife managers/researchers about the necessary concepts, tools, and ideas relating to human dimensions is an important element in the achievement of this goal. This chapter explains the key concepts and aims of human dimensions education. A case study of a human dimensions university course taught by the author entitled “Human Dimensions of Nature Conservation” is described and discussed. Feedback indicated that students learned about human wildlife issues, as well as ways to solve problems relating to human-wildlife conflicts. They also acquired important communication skills via mock interview activities and workshops. Finally, the significance of human dimensions education is discussed, as well as potential ways that the course might be improved.