Table Of ContentLiving with the wolf
A Luhmannian perspective on the human-wolf
conflict in Redes Natural Park, Spain
Isabeau Ottolini
April 2018
MSc Thesis CPT-81330
Living with the wolf
A Luhmannian perspective on the human -wolf conflict in Redes
Natural Par k, Spain
Written by:
Isabeau Romaine Ottolini
Registration number: 920204-633-010
Contact:
Abstract
In present day many rural areas across the world suffer from issues such as rural depopulation
and land abandonment. Whilst such issues are generally seen as negative, it can have positive
effects, such as giving space for t he comeback of wild nature. Nonetheless, this can lead to an
increase in interactions between humans and wildlife. Sometimes such interactions are called
“human-wildlife conflicts ” when resulting in negative impacts on involved humans and/or
wildlife. Such is also the case with the human -wolf conflict . This is often framed as a conflict
that emerges due to depredation of wolves upon livestock, and great efforts are dedicated to
resolving the conflict. However, scientific literature points out that human -wolf conflicts
continue to endure despite such efforts. Hence, instead of proposing solutions or asking why
current solutions are ineffective in resolving the conflict , this thesis proposes a new way of
looking at such conf licts by making use of Luhmann’s Soc ial Systems Theory and relating it
to the concepts of human -wildlife conflicts and coping strategies. Through a case study in
Redes Natural Park, Spain, and making use of interviews and participant observation, data has
been collected to research how the h uman-wolf conflict becomes constructed through
communications, and what role coping strategies pay therein.
This research shows that the human-wolf conflict englobes a multiplicity of aspects, thereby
going beyond traditional conceptualisation s of the con flict, i.e. wolf eating livestock. Instead ,
it can be considered as a many -headed monster built upon contrasting discourses that include
aspects such as changes in people their ways of life, rural -urban dichotomy, top -down
approaches, struggles in the live stock sector and the role of politics and the media. Whilst in
the past the conflict might have indeed consisted of wolves preying on livestock, over the years
the conflict has grown, contaminating surrounding discourses and integrating these into an ever
larger conflict discourse. In turn, actors engage in diverse coping strategies to deal with the
uncertainties related to the conflict. However, these strategies mainly provide more fuel for the
conflict to endure over time, instead of solving it. Hence, th e conceptualisation of the conflict
and the coping strategies employed to deal with it are related: a s the conflict is conceptualised
through communicative act ions, different coping strategies emerge, proliferate or perish , which
in turn (re)shape the conflict. As a result, the conflict discourse changes shape, size and contents
over time.
All in all, this research provides a novel way in which conflicts can be researched and
understood. Furthermore, it leads to the realisation that we, both the actors in the field and
scientists researching the conflict, must be critical of what we do in relation to the conflic, tand
be more aware of the key role our communicative acts play in the emergence and proliferation
of conflicts.
Keywords: human-wolf conflict, coping strategies, communications, Social Systems Theory,
rural depopulation, Spain.
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Resumen
En el presente muchas zonas rurales padecen de desafíos como la despoblación rural o el
abandono de terreno s agrícola s. Mientras que estos generalmente son percib idos como algo
negativo, pueden conllevar efectos positivos, como permitir el regreso de la naturaleza salvaje .
Sin embargo, puede llevar a un aumento en las interacciones entre fauna silvestre y los
humanos, que son vistos como conflictos cuando resultan en efectos negativos sobre humanos
y/o la fauna silvestre. Tal es el caso con el conflict o entre lobos y humanos. Esto a menudo se
considera como un conflicto que surge debido a la depredación de lobo s sobre el ganado , y se
realizan grandes esfuerzos para resolver tal conflicto. Sin embargo, la literatura científica
señala que este tipo de conflicto siguen perdurando, a pesar de los esfuerzos realizados. Por lo
tanto, en lugar de proponer soluciones o preguntar por qué las soluciones actuales no logran
resolver el conflicto, esta tesis propone una nueva forma para mirar a los conflictos, haciendo
uso de la Teoría de los Sistemas Sociales de Luhmann y relacionándola con los conceptos de
conflicto entre humanos y vida silvestre y estrategias de afrontamiento . A través de un estudio
de caso en el Parque Natural de Redes, España, y usando las entrevistas y la observación
participación , se recopilaron datos para investigar cómo se construye el conflicto del lobo a
través de las comunicaciones, y qué papel juegan las estrategias de afrontamiento.
Esta investigación muestra que el conflicto entre humanos y lobos engloba una multiplicidad
de aspectos, yendo más allá de las conceptualizaciones tradicionales del conflicto, es decir, el
del lobo comiendo el ganado. En su lugar, se puede considerar el conflicto como un monstruo
con múltiples cabezas, basado sobre discursos contrastantes que incluyen aspectos como
cambios en las formas de vida, la dicotomía rural-urbana, el enfoque “top-down”, desafíos en
el sector ganadero y el papel de la política y los medios de comunicación. Mientras que en el
pasado el conflicto pudo haber consistido principalmente en los lobos comiendo el ganado, a
lo largo de los años el conflicto ha crecido, contaminando los discursos circundantes e
integrándolos en un discurso de conflicto cada vez más amplio. A su vez, los actores se
involucran en diversas estrategias de afrontamiento para enfrentar las incertidumbresq ue
emergen a partir del conflicto. Sin embargo, estas estrategias, en vez de resolverlo,
proporcionan más combustible para que el conflicto perdure en el tiempo. Por lo tanto, la
conceptualización del conflicto y las estrategias de afrontamiento están relacionadas: a medida
que el conflicto se conceptualiza a través de las acciones comunicativas, surgen, proliferan o
perecen diferentes estrategias de afrontamiento que, a su vez,( re)configuran el conflicto. Como
resultado, el discurso del conflicto cambia de forma, tamaño y contenido a lo largo del tiempo.
En último lugar, esta investigación ofrece una nueva manera para investigar y llegar a entender
los conflictos. Además, lleva a la comprensión de que nosotros, tanto los actores en el campo
y los científicos que investigan el conflicto, debemos ser críticos sobre lo que hacemos en
relación al conflicto y ser más conscientes del papel fundamental que desempeñan nuestros
actos comunicativos en la aparición y proliferación de conflictos.
Palabras clave: conflicto humano -lobo, estrategias de afrontamiento, comunicaciones, teoría
de los sis temas sociales , despoblación rural , España .
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Foreword
Ever since my earliest memories I have been fascinated with nature and wildlife, including the
wolf. For many years now I have felt a deep sense of connection with this large carnivore ,
seeing it as a s ymbol of wild, untamed nature I so much love . In the past m y interest in the
species led me to learn more about its biology , conservation and the conflict that exists between
humans and wolves . However, over the years certain academic choices eventually directed me
away from the wolf. Then, about a year ago, I had to start making choices about my MSc thesis.
Whilst I had no intention whatsoever to rekindle my passion for the wolf, there it was one day:
the idea to research the conflict I had been hearing ab out for so many years. Aware of my
personal biases, I commenced this adventure with great enthusiasm , but also with considerable
caution . Looking back, I am very happy for the choices I took, as this research and its
perspective on the human -wolf conflict has provided me with a profound knowledge on the
issue, in addition to being able to see similar workings of conflict discourses in other conflicts
I encounter in my professional and personal life .
Thus, I can now present with pride this Master Thesis . And looking back at the entire process
of doing my thesis, I feel incredibly grateful. This feeling of gratitude comes from the fact that
so many amazing people have been there for me along the way, helping with the thousand -and-
one worries, giving good advi ce, telling me they believe I can do it, listening to me... Without
them, going through the entire process of writing an MSc thesis would have been much harder .
Where to start with thanking people? My supervisors, who always tried to make me go further,
try harder, be more creative, and especially, to be confident in my research and myself . The
Thesis Ring, with all their support, enthusiasm, and feedback. My classmates, professors, and
friends, who continuously showed their interest in my topic of researc h, and believed in me
when I certainly did not. A dear housemate, for sticking together in the good and the bad times
and was always in for a long walk or dinner together . A treasured friend, for making me feel
less alone when everything seem ed to fall apart.
I would also like to thank all the amazing people I met during my fieldwork , for their
enthusiastic participation and for offering me a deeper understanding , not only of the research
topic, but also their traditions and values. I feel deep gratitude f or all those who have welcomed
me into their homes and lives, entrusting me with their hopes and fears, dreams and worries.
Spending time together has made me know the area in an intimate way, and I have fallen in
love with the Redes Natural Park. It is my dearest wish to one day again return and learn more
from all of you .
Then, there is also my family, who have supported me with every step of the way and giving
me the much needed space to just be . Lastly, I would like to thank my partner, for putting up
with me during those long months, months in which the thesis became the centre of my life
and I tended to forget about all other things in my pursuit of the perfect thesis . For reminding
me there is more to life than always doing my best at all cost .
But I am not only grateful for the people who have surrounded me during these months . My
gratitude also concerns the life lessons I have learnt during this time . For me, writing a Master
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Thesis has not been so much about how to do academic research, but how t o cope with an all -
absorbing perfectionism that led me to the brink of a burnout. This hindered me to work on my
thesis for many weeks on end, being caught up in a paralyzing trap of anxiety, fear and
frustration . However , I eventually struggled free and l earnt a valuable lesson on endurance:
even if you fall down a thousand times, and feel like you have failed time after time, if you
give yourself the necessary time, space and love to recover, it might just be that the thousand -
and-first time you actually succeed. Previous failure never means it will not work out the next
time you try.
In memory of a interviewee, whose unexpected death during my thesis came as a big
shock. Although we only spoke once, you transmitted a great energy with your
knowledge and passion for both the mountains and the protection and conservation of
its people. Que descanse s en paz.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... ii
Resumen ................................................................................................................................... iii
Foreword ................................................................................................................................... iv
List of abbreviations, tables and images ................................................................................... ix
Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................ ix
Images .................................................................................................................................. ix
Tables ..................................................................................................................................... x
Glossary ................................................................................................................................. x
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1
1.1. Problem description..................................................................................................... 3
1.2. Research aim and research questions .......................................................................... 3
1.3. Relevance of the study ................................................................................................ 4
1.4. Background of Redes Natural Park ............................................................................. 4
1.5. Outline of the thesis..................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ...................................................................... 8
2.1. Conflicts ...................................................................................................................... 8
2.2. Human-wildlife conflicts........................................................................................... 10
2.3. Coping strategies to human-wildlife conflict ............................................................ 13
2.4. Assembling the theoretical framework ..................................................................... 14
CHAPTER 3. RESEARCH METHODS ................................................................................ 16
3.1. Setting, access and selection of respondents. ............................................................ 16
3.2. Research methods - Data collection and analysis ..................................................... 17
3.2.1. Interviews ........................................................................................................... 18
3.2.2. Participant observation ....................................................................................... 19
3.2.3. Data analysis ....................................................................................................... 20
3.2.4. Ethics .................................................................................................................. 21
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3.3. Quality of the research ................................ ................................ .............................. 21
3.3.1. Limitations ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 21
3.3.2. Positionality as researcher ................................ ................................ .................. 23
CHAPTER 4. CONTEXT ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 25
4.1. Wolf population and damages. Spatial and temporal evolution ................................ 25
4.2. Changes in natural resource management of Redes ................................ .................. 26
4.3. Livestock management and practices ................................ ................................ ........ 28
4.4. Management of the wolf population and damages ................................ .................... 31
4.4.1. Traditional management ................................ ................................ ........................ 31
4.4.1. Present management ................................ ................................ ........................... 32
CHAPTER 5. FINDINGS ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 36
5.1. The wolf in the past ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 36
5.2. The wolf in the present ................................ ................................ .............................. 37
5.2.1. Wolf sightings ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 37
5.2.2. Wolf attacks. How big is the problem? ................................ .............................. 38
5.2.3. Reasons for changing the dimensions of the conflict ................................ ......... 39
5.2.4. What has changed, and why? ................................ ................................ ............. 41
5.2.5. Politics, the media and the conflict ................................ ................................ ..... 43
5.2.6. Governmental solution I: Compensation payment scheme. ............................... 45
5.2.7. Governmental solution II. Wolf Management Plan ................................ ............ 49
5.2.8. Role of ganaderos ................................ ................................ ............................... 52
5.2.9. Proposed alternative solutions ................................ ................................ ............ 53
5.2.10. Use of social pressure ................................ ................................ ......................... 57
5.3. The wolf and the future ................................ ................................ ............................. 58
CHAPTER 6. ANALYSIS ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 59
6.1. The conceptualisation of the human -wolf conflict in Redes ................................ ........ 59
6.2. The coping strategies used to deal with the conflict ................................ ..................... 63
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CHAPTER 7. DISCUSSION ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 66
7.1. Rural-urban dichotomy. Ontological and epistemological aspects of the conflict ... 66
7.2. Which approach to use when dealing with the conflict: top -down or bottom -up? ... 69
7.3. The role of depopulation in the conflict ................................ ................................ .... 71
CHAPTER 8. CONCLUSIONS ................................ ................................ .............................. 75
8.1. Conclusion of the research ................................ ................................ ........................ 75
st
1 Specific Research Question......................................................................................... 75
nd
2 Specific Research Question ...................................................................................... 75
General Research Question ............................................................................................ 76
8.2. The relevance of the research .................................................................................. 77
8.3. Further research ....................................................................................................... 78
Appendices ............................................................................................................................. 81
Appendix A. Detailed map of Redes Natural Park ............................................................. 81
Appendix B. Material for data collection ........................................................................... 82
Appendix C. List of data sources ....................................................................................... 84
Appendix D. Wolf Conference program. ............................................................................ 86
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................... 93
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List of abbreviations, tables and images
Abbreviations
ASCEL: Asociación para la conservación y estudio del lobo ibérico ( in English: Association
for the Conservation and Study of the Iberian Wolf )
CAP: Common Agricultural Policy
EU: European Union
FAPAS: Fondo para la Protección de los Animales Salvajes (in English: Foundation for the
protection of wildlife)
FEMP: Federación Española de Municipios y Provincias (in English: Spanish Federation of
Municipalities and Provinces)
HWC: Human-wildlife conflict
IDC Instituto de Desarrollo Comunitario (in English: Communitary Development Institute)
IUCN: Interational Union for Conservation of Nature
NGO: Non-Governmental Organisation
PGL: Plan de Gestión del Lobo (in English: Wolf Management Plan)
REDER: Red Estatal de Desarrollo Rural (in English: State Network for rural development)
REDR: Red Española de Resarrollo Rural (in English: Spanish Network for rural
development)
SRQ: specific research question
UNISDR: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
Images
Image 1. Spanish municipalities with less than 500 inhabitants ................................................ 1
Image 2. Location of Redes Natural Park within Spain............................................................. 5
Image 3. Views over the Redes Natural Park from the Majada de la Gamonal ........................ 5
Image 4. A stone cabin in the Majada de Melordaña ................................................................ 6
Image 5. A typical hórreo .......................................................................................................... 7
Image 6. The theoretical framework ........................................................................................ 15
Image 7. Illustration of the second participation observation event ........................................ 19
Image 8. Illustration of the third participation observation event ............................................ 19
Image 9. Evolution of the wolf’s distribution in Spain. ........................................................... 26
Image 10. The Majada de Melordaña ...................................................................................... 29
Image 11. Walking with an adult and a puppy mastiff when visiting a ganadero ................... 31
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