Crafting Effective Solutions to the Large Carnivore Conservation Problem

How problems are defined and redefined largely dictates how they will (or if they can) be solved, especially complex problems such as the challenge of conserving large carnivores in North America. We describe a practical and comprehensive method for analyzing problems within specific human and ecological contexts and for inventing, evaluating, and selecting solutions. We conducted a problem definition exercise for the large carnivore conservation problem and arrived at five key variables that must be addressed in order to protect these threatened species: cultural history, valuation, ecology, management systems, and the policy process. Our analysis maps the broad dimensions of the problem and identifies areas to be targeted by any successful solution strategy. The method we present and our proposed initial definition of the carnivore conservation problem can serve as a springboard for further analysis and policy making at specific sites and at appropriate scales for on-the-ground solutions to this and other natural resource problems.