An exploration of the relationship between humans and wild animals and approaches to harmonious coexistence
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Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210000, China

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    Abstract:

    The relationship between humans and wild animals is dynamic and complex, deeply influenced by the interplay of social, economic, political, and ecological factors. This study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of this relationship, properly reconcile the interactions between humans and wild animals, provide theoretical support for wild animal conservation and management, and ultimately promote the harmonious coexistence between humans and wild animals. By synthesizing 99 domestic and international relevant articles published from 2013 to 2024, this study systematically combs the conceptual evolution and research progress of human-wild animal conflicts, coexistence, and interactions, and analyzes the impacts generated by their mutual interactions as well as the corresponding response mechanisms. The study shows that human-wild animal conflicts mainly originate from two aspects:the direct opposition between wild animal behaviors and human interests, and the threats to wild animal survival caused by human activities. In contrast, human-wild animal coexistence manifests as adaptive interactions between the two in shared landscapes and the policy governance measures implemented by humans. Essentially, conflicts and coexistence reflect a dynamic balance of resource competition, behavioral adaptation, and interest bargaining between humans and wild animals. Additionally, a neutral state with no significant positive or negative impacts is widely present in their interactions. Considering the influencing factors of human-wild animal interactions comprehensively, this study proposes a six-dimensional governance strategy, encompassing conflict management, deepening the understanding of human-animal relationships, socio-cultural integration, cross-sector collaboration, science-policy linkage, and enhancing sustainability. This strategy is intended to promote the paradigm shift from conflict control to dynamic symbiosis, providing theoretical support for wild animal conservation and management and further facilitating the achievement of harmonious coexistence between humans and wild animals.

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LI Luan-Xin, LI Jia-Qi, LU Xiao-Qiang, WAN Ya-Qiong, LIU Yan. 2026. An exploration of the relationship between humans and wild animals and approaches to harmonious coexistence. Chinese Journal of Zoology, 61(2): 282-293.

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History
  • Received:September 03,2024
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  • Online: April 20,2026
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