Beavers: social learning application in environmental policies:
What happened to the "Gnawsons" family of beavers? Human-Wildlife Coexistence in Michigan
As the dawn broke at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in November, 2023, for the first time since the foundation in 1907, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens have become the residence of an industrious, though unexpected, guest: beavers. They were named "Gnawsons" for their well-known practice, gnawing down trees to build dams.
Beavers are exceptional species that serve as ecological engineers who profoundly strengthening the functions of ecosystems through dam-building. They were also viewed as commodities during the fur trade era, which also led to their extinction for half a century in Michigan. This resurgence marks a poignant chapter in the story of the gardens, the beavers, and the intricate dance between human and natural worlds in the Michigan area. However, they disappeared again in 2024 summer, which probably implied an intense human-wildlife conflict between landowners and beavers around Fleming Creek, as well as a lack of comprehensive wildlife management framework.
This case explores how social learning frameworks can be applied to human-wildlife interactions, specifically focusing on beaver conservation in Michigan. Participants will analyze historical and modern perspectives on beavers, examine the current policy frameworks that shape management decisions, and consider strategies integrating social learning concepts for fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.
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