Integrating ecology and socioeconomics for species restoration: Feasibility of a Louisiana black bear reintroduction in and around Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas

To mitigate effects of human activity on wildlife species, there are increasing efforts to recover locally extirpated species in human-dominated landscapes. Thus, the ability to integrate ecological and socioeconomic factors is critical to better understand needs of both humans and wildlife. The overall goal of this dissertation was to develop an interdisciplinary approach to quantify spatial and temporal dynamics of ecological and socioeconomic factors that may affect a Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus ) reintroduction in and around Big Thicket National Preserve (BTNP) in southeastern Texas. The local bear population was extirpated during the early 1900s, but a recent increase in the number of bear sightings in the area has prompted creation of a black bear management plan and a simultaneous interest in recovering bear populations. BTNP is a potential location to release bears, but BTNP's small size and disjunct distribution require the consideration of private timberlands and national forests in bear recovery planning. To determine the ecological feasibility, remote sensing data were used to identify potential bear habitat across the 2.6 million ha study area. Approximately 1.3 million ha of highly suitable habitat existed on both private and public lands. At a density of one bear/100 ha, and considering core habitat areas, there is enough habitat for approximately 2,200 bears. Stand management of vegetative species that are important for bear foraging will ensure adequate food resources for a bear population. Because humans also inhabit the area, the study of social feasibility is also necessary. We surveyed 1,006 local residents to gain insight into attitudes toward black bears and a preferred recovery strategy. Males, younger residents, those with more knowledge about bears, and participants in passive-appreciative activities related to wildlife were more likely to have positive attitudes toward bears and to support increasing the bear population. Concern about the problems that bears may cause was a significant predictor of a respondent's preferred management strategy. Two significant clusters of survey respondents expressed support for a bear recovery: one in proximity to Angelina National Forest and the other in Orange County. A simple systems model was developed to integrate ecological (land cover) and socioeconomic (social survey) data. Model results suggested that national forests might be better potential release sites for bears than BTNP. An earlier trend of declining timberland area is likely to continue, and to be the main driver of degradation in bear habitat over time. Consequently, timberland loss will likely promote urban development. Furthermore, highest ecological feasibility did not overlap. Ecological feasibility for bear recovery was greatest in Sabine, Trinity, and San Augustine Counties. However, social feasibility was greatest in Jasper, Tyler, and Newton Counties. Public outreach aimed at increasing residents' knowledge about bears, as well as gaining insight into why local residents do or do not support bear recovery, are necessary before deciding whether and where bears should be released. The model framework provides a useful approach for assessing feasibility of a reintroduction and may be adapted for conservation programs in other locations.