Key publications
Crowley S, Cecchetti M, McDonald R (In Press). Our wild companions: Domestic cats in the Anthropocene.
Trends in Ecology and Evolution Full text.
Crowley SL, Cecchetti M, McDonald RA (2020). Diverse perspectives of cat owners indicate barriers to and opportunities for managing cat predation of wildlife.
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment,
18(10), 544-549.
Full text.
Crowley SL, Hinchliffe S, McDonald RA (2019). The parakeet protectors: Understanding opposition to introduced species management.
Journal of Environmental Management,
229, 120-132.
Abstract:
The parakeet protectors: Understanding opposition to introduced species management
The surveillance and control of introduced and invasive species has become an increasingly important component of environmental management. However, initiatives targeting ‘charismatic’ wildlife can be controversial. Opposition to management, and the subsequent emergence of social conflict, present significant challenges for would-be managers. Understanding the substance and development of these disputes is therefore vital for improving the legitimacy and effectiveness of wildlife management. It also provides important insights into human-wildlife relations and the 'social dimensions’ of wildlife management. Here, we examine how the attempted eradication of small populations of introduced monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) from England has been challenged and delayed by opposition from interested and affected communities. We consider how and why the UK Government's eradication initiative was opposed, focusing on three key themes: disagreements about justifying management, the development of affective attachments between people and parakeets, and the influence of distrustful and antagonistic relationships between proponents and opponents of management. We draw connections between our UK case and previous management disputes, primarily in the USA, and suggest that the resistance encountered in the UK might readily have been foreseen. We conclude by considering how management of this and other introduced species could be made less conflict-prone, and potentially more effective, by reconfiguring management approaches to be more anticipatory, flexible, sensitive, and inclusive.
Abstract.
Full text.
Crowley SL, Hinchliffe SJ, McDonald RA (2018). Killing squirrels: Exploring motivations and practices of lethal wildlife management.
Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space Full text.
Crowley SL, Hinchliffe S, McDonald RA (2017). Nonhuman citizens on trial: the ecological politics of a beaver reintroduction.
Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space,
49(8), 1846-1866.
Abstract:
Nonhuman citizens on trial: the ecological politics of a beaver reintroduction
Wildlife reintroductions can unsettle social and ecological norms, and are often controversial. In this paper, we examine the recent (re)introduction of Eurasian beavers to England, to analyse responses to an unauthorised release of a formerly resident species. Although the statutory response to the introduction was to attempt to reassert ecological and political order by recapturing the beavers, this action was strongly opposed by a diverse collective, united and made powerful by a common goal: to protect England’s ‘new’ nonhuman residents. We show how this clash of state resolve and public dissent produced an uneasy compromise in the form of a formal, licensed ‘beaver reintroduction trial’, in which the new beaver residents have been allowed to remain, but under surveillance. We propose that although the trial is unorthodox and risky, there is an opportunity for it to be treated as a ‘wild experiment’ through which a more open-ended, experimental approach to co-inhabiting with wildlife might be attempted.
Abstract.
Full text.
Publications by year
In Press
Crowley S, Cecchetti M, McDonald R (In Press). Our wild companions: Domestic cats in the Anthropocene.
Trends in Ecology and Evolution Full text.
Mill AC, Crowley S, Lambin X, McKinney C, Maggs G, Robertson P, Robinson NJ, Ward A, Marzano M (In Press). The challenges of long-term invasive mammal management: lessons from the UK.
Mammal ReviewAbstract:
The challenges of long-term invasive mammal management: lessons from the UK
We consider the motivations, strategies and costs involved in invasive mammal management undertaken in the UK. Widespread established invasive mammals require long-term management to limit damage or spread, but ongoing management is costly and complex. Long-term management is most effective where it is applied at a landscape scale, but this requires overarching co-ordination between multiple stakeholders. Five challenges for successful long-term management of invasive mammal species are identified as: defining landscape scale strategies, management co-ordination, stakeholder and community engagement, sustainable funding and evidence requirements. We make recommendations on the supportive infrastructure needed for effective landscape-scale management of invasive mammals to fulfil long-term conservation aims, as follows. 1. There is a need for evidence-based Invasive Species Action Plans to provide strategy for the long-term ongoing management of prioritised species at appropriate scales. 2. Where possible, multispecies approaches to invasive species management should be adopted. 3. Trusted leadership should be identified to take ownership of Action Plans and provide an overarching co-ordination to bring individuals, organisations and funders together. 4. Support for a centralised hub for training, data and knowledge flows will greatly improve scientific outcomes through a searchable evidence base and best practise and knowledge sharing.
Abstract.
Full text.
Jaric I, Courchamp F, Correia R, Crowley S, Essl F, Fischer A, González-Moreno P, Kalinkat G, Lambin X, Lenzner B, et al (In Press). The role of species charisma in biological invasions.
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment Full text.
2021
Cecchetti M, Crowley SL, Goodwin CED, McDonald RA (2021). Provision of High Meat Content Food and Object Play Reduce Predation of Wild Animals by Domestic Cats Felis catus. Current Biology, 31(5), 1107-1111.e5.
2020
Crowley SL, Cecchetti M, McDonald RA (2020). Diverse perspectives of cat owners indicate barriers to and opportunities for managing cat predation of wildlife.
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment,
18(10), 544-549.
Full text.
Cecchetti M, Crowley SL, McDonald RA (2020). Drivers and facilitators of hunting behaviour in domestic cats and options for management. Mammal Review
Swan GJF, Silva-Rodríguez EA, Márquez-García M, Crowley SL (2020). For livestock losses, a conservation scientist's ‘exceptional’ may be a farmer's ‘unacceptable’: a commentary to Ballejo et al. (2020).
Biological Conservation,
250 Full text.
Swan GJF, Redpath SM, Crowley SL, McDonald RA (2020). Understanding diverse approaches to predator management among gamekeepers in England.
People and Nature,
2(2), 495-508.
Full text.
Bavin D, MacPherson J, Denman H, Crowley SL, McDonald RA (2020). Using Q‐methodology to understand stakeholder perspectives on a carnivore translocation. People and Nature, 2(4), 1117-1130.
2019
Shackleton RT, Richardson DM, Shackleton CM, Bennett B, Crowley SL, Dehnen-Schmutz K, Estévez RA, Fischer A, Kueffer C, Kull CA, et al (2019). Explaining people's perceptions of invasive alien species: a conceptual framework.
Journal of Environmental Management,
229, 10-26.
Abstract:
Explaining people's perceptions of invasive alien species: a conceptual framework
Human perceptions of nature and the environment are increasingly being recognised as important for environmental management and conservation. Understanding people's perceptions is crucial for understanding behaviour and developing effective management strategies to maintain, preserve and improve biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being. As an interdisciplinary team, we produced a synthesis of the key factors that influence people's perceptions of invasive alien species, and ordered them in a conceptual framework. In a context of considerable complexity and variation across time and space, we identified six broad-scale dimensions: (1) attributes of the individual perceiving the invasive alien species; (2) characteristics of the invasive alien species itself; (3) effects of the invasion (including negative and positive impacts, i.e. benefits and costs); (4) socio-cultural context; (5) landscape context; and (6) institutional and policy context. A number of underlying and facilitating aspects for each of these six overarching dimensions are also identified and discussed. Synthesising and understanding the main factors that influence people's perceptions is useful to guide future research, to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between actors, and to aid management and policy formulation and governance of invasive alien species. This can help to circumvent and mitigate conflicts, support prioritisation plans, improve stakeholder engagement platforms, and implement control measures.
Abstract.
Full text.
Crowley SL, Cecchetti M, McDonald RA (2019). Hunting behaviour in domestic cats: an exploratory study of risk and responsibility among cat owners.
People and Nature,
1(1), 18-30.
Full text.
Beever EA, Simberloff D, Crowley SL, Al-Chokhachy R, Jackson HA, Petersen SL (2019). Social–ecological mismatches create conservation challenges in introduced species management.
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment,
17(2), 117-125.
Abstract:
Social–ecological mismatches create conservation challenges in introduced species management
Introduced species can have important effects on the component species and processes of native ecosystems. However, effective introduced species management can be complicated by technical and social challenges. We identify “social–ecological mismatches” (that is, differences between the scales and functioning of interacting social and ecological systems) as one such challenge. We present three case studies in which mismatches between the organization and functioning of key social and ecological systems have contributed to controversies and debates surrounding introduced species management and policy. We identify three common issues: social systems and cultures may adapt to a new species’ arrival at a different rate than ecosystems; ecological impacts can arise at one spatial scale while social impacts occur at another; and the effects of introduced species can spread widely, whereas management actions are constrained by organizational and/or political boundaries. We propose strategies for collaborative knowledge building and adaptive management that may help address these challenges.
Abstract.
Full text.
Crowley SL, Hinchliffe S, McDonald RA (2019). The parakeet protectors: Understanding opposition to introduced species management.
Journal of Environmental Management,
229, 120-132.
Abstract:
The parakeet protectors: Understanding opposition to introduced species management
The surveillance and control of introduced and invasive species has become an increasingly important component of environmental management. However, initiatives targeting ‘charismatic’ wildlife can be controversial. Opposition to management, and the subsequent emergence of social conflict, present significant challenges for would-be managers. Understanding the substance and development of these disputes is therefore vital for improving the legitimacy and effectiveness of wildlife management. It also provides important insights into human-wildlife relations and the 'social dimensions’ of wildlife management. Here, we examine how the attempted eradication of small populations of introduced monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) from England has been challenged and delayed by opposition from interested and affected communities. We consider how and why the UK Government's eradication initiative was opposed, focusing on three key themes: disagreements about justifying management, the development of affective attachments between people and parakeets, and the influence of distrustful and antagonistic relationships between proponents and opponents of management. We draw connections between our UK case and previous management disputes, primarily in the USA, and suggest that the resistance encountered in the UK might readily have been foreseen. We conclude by considering how management of this and other introduced species could be made less conflict-prone, and potentially more effective, by reconfiguring management approaches to be more anticipatory, flexible, sensitive, and inclusive.
Abstract.
Full text.
2018
Silk MJ, Crowley SL, Woodhead AJ, Nuno A (2018). Considering connections between Hollywood and biodiversity conservation.
Conservation Biology,
32(3), 597-606.
Full text.
Crowley SL, Hinchliffe SJ, McDonald RA (2018). Killing squirrels: Exploring motivations and practices of lethal wildlife management.
Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space Full text.
2017
Crowley SL, Hinchliffe S, McDonald RA (2017). Conflict in invasive species management.
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment,
15(3), 133-141.
Full text.
Crowley SL, Hinchliffe S, Redpath SM, McDonald RA (2017). Disagreement About Invasive Species Does Not Equate to Denialism: a Response to Russell and Blackburn.
Trends Ecol Evol,
32(4), 228-229.
Author URL.
Full text.
Crowley SL, Hinchliffe S, McDonald RA (2017). Nonhuman citizens on trial: the ecological politics of a beaver reintroduction.
Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space,
49(8), 1846-1866.
Abstract:
Nonhuman citizens on trial: the ecological politics of a beaver reintroduction
Wildlife reintroductions can unsettle social and ecological norms, and are often controversial. In this paper, we examine the recent (re)introduction of Eurasian beavers to England, to analyse responses to an unauthorised release of a formerly resident species. Although the statutory response to the introduction was to attempt to reassert ecological and political order by recapturing the beavers, this action was strongly opposed by a diverse collective, united and made powerful by a common goal: to protect England’s ‘new’ nonhuman residents. We show how this clash of state resolve and public dissent produced an uneasy compromise in the form of a formal, licensed ‘beaver reintroduction trial’, in which the new beaver residents have been allowed to remain, but under surveillance. We propose that although the trial is unorthodox and risky, there is an opportunity for it to be treated as a ‘wild experiment’ through which a more open-ended, experimental approach to co-inhabiting with wildlife might be attempted.
Abstract.
Full text.
2016
Crowley SL, Hinchliffe S, McDonald RA (2016). Invasive species management will benefit from social impact assessment.
Journal of Applied Ecology,
54(2), 351-357.
Full text.
Robinson BS, Inger R, Crowley SL, Gaston KJ (2016). Weeds on the web: conflicting management advice about an invasive non-native plant.
Journal of Applied Ecology,
54(1), 178-187.
Full text.
2014
Crowley SL (2014). Camels out of place and time: the dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) in Australia.
Anthrozoos,
27(2), 191-203.
Abstract:
Camels out of place and time: the dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) in Australia
The deserts of the Australian outback are ideal territories for dromedary camels, Camelus dromedarius. Dromedaries' flexible adaptations allow them to eat 80% of Australian plant species and they obtain much of their water through ingesting vegetation; they thrive where other species perish. In many ways, the dromedary could be said to "belong" in this harsh environment. Yet for numerous Australians, particularly ranchers, conservation managers, and increasingly local and national governments, camels are perceived as pests and unwelcome invaders. Anthropologists studying human classifications of non-human animals have suggested that those species or populations that fail to fit neatly into existing classification systems come to be considered "out of place," particularly when they enter human domains or disturb existing perceptual boundaries of environmental order. Through exploring and analyzing academic, government, and media publications, this review proposes that today's Australian dromedaries exemplify "animals out of place" and discusses how and why they have developed this status. It is further suggested that in addition to being classified as "out of place" in Australia, the dromedary has also become "out of time," as its classification has transformed with temporal shifts in human circumstances, cultural values, and worldviews.
Abstract.
Full text.
2009
Batt S (2009). Human attitudes towards animals in relation to species similarity to humans: a multivariate approach.
Bioscience Horizons,
2(2), 180-190.
Full text.
