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Resumo

Our study presents a comprehensive method for measuring the distribution of urban wildlife and human-wildlife conflicts based on citizen reports. We investigate the ecological and social factors affecting the distribution of synurbic wild boars (Sus scrofa) and related human-wildlife conflicts within Haifa, northern Israel. Using Maximum Entropy (Maxent) species distribution modeling, we analyzed 2,921 citizen reports of wild boar sightings collected between January 2014 and May 2016. We modeled two distribution maps predicting: (1) wild boar presence, and (2) human-wild boar conflict within the city. Our models incorporated both ecological variables (e.g., normalized difference vegetation index, built area density, distance to nature reserves) and social variables (e.g., human population and density, socioeconomic status). The results of the wild boar habitat suitability model confirm previous studies, associating boar presence with the availability and fragmentation of green areas. In contrast, the conflict model suggests that human-boar conflicts are primarily linked to human population size, density, and socioeconomic status. Notably, areas with higher socioeconomic status exhibited a greater likelihood of reported conflicts, even after controlling for ecological factors. This study highlights the importance of integrating both ecological and social factors in understanding and managing urban human-wildlife conflicts. Our findings suggest that effective management strategies should consider the ecological needs of urban wildlife along with the social and economic contexts of urban neighborhoods.

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