Pantheraman
Well-Known Member
"Creel has also done extensive science on wolf and elk populations in Yellowstone. There, he regularly encountered disagreements between how National Park Service and state wildlife agency policies and priorities drove management of creatures such as wolves and bison. The experience was so frustrating, he said, that he switched to Africa."
“In Africa, it’s far less polarized,” Creel said. “More people see both sides of the equation. They see issues of conflict, and also see the value of the animals. The polarization of the issue is much lower, which is one of the things I like about working there.”
“Here [in Greater Yellowstone], carnivores are just another example of things caught up in culture wars. The idea that I can provide new data that will change a person’s mind — I don’t think happens much. In Africa, it’s still very effective. I can move the needle more effectively by providing information. Sometimes in North America it feels like more information doesn’t matter at all.”
Predator Management: What Africa can Teach Greater Yellowstone
“In Africa, it’s far less polarized,” Creel said. “More people see both sides of the equation. They see issues of conflict, and also see the value of the animals. The polarization of the issue is much lower, which is one of the things I like about working there.”
“Here [in Greater Yellowstone], carnivores are just another example of things caught up in culture wars. The idea that I can provide new data that will change a person’s mind — I don’t think happens much. In Africa, it’s still very effective. I can move the needle more effectively by providing information. Sometimes in North America it feels like more information doesn’t matter at all.”
Predator Management: What Africa can Teach Greater Yellowstone