Drivers of human attitudes towards wolves Canis lupus in Kazakhstan
Koshkina A. Kudrenko S. Ordiz A. Kamiyeva S. Devenish A. Kamp J.
2025John Wiley and Sons Inc
People and Nature
2025
Kazakhstan is recognized as a key stronghold for the grey wolf (Canis lupus). Nonetheless, the wolf status and the dynamics of human-wolf coexistence in the region remain poorly understood. This study aims to fill that gap by exploring current attitudes towards wolves in Kazakhstan and identify the underlying drivers of these attitudes. We collected information using a survey questionnaire (in person and online) from 1068 individuals across various demographic groups, including rural and urban residents, hunters and livestock owners. The survey was conducted across the countrys three main landscapes—steppe, desert and high mountains to ensure a diverse and representative sample of perspectives. Our findings indicate that respondents generally held neutral or positive views about wolves and their presence in Kazakhstan. However, attitudes towards coexistence with wolves in respondents home regions were notably more negative. Livestock owners exhibited the most antagonistic attitudes towards wolf presence in their home regions. These attitudes were primarily influenced by wildlife value orientations, fear and knowledge of wolf behaviour. Synthesis and applications. Our findings highlight the need for further research to develop strategies for fostering human-wolf coexistence in Kazakhstan. Key priorities include: (1) investigating the causes and drivers of wolf attacks on humans, with particular attention to the role of rabies; (2) evaluating the effectiveness of traditional and innovative approaches to preventing livestock predation in Kazakh rangelands; and (3) collecting data on wolf distribution and population densities to inform evidence-based management strategies. These efforts will contribute to the sustainable management of wolf populations, balancing conservation objectives with the concerns of local communities. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Canis lupus , Central Asia , human–carnivore coexistence , Kazakhstan , large carnivore , rural and urban perspectives , wolf
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Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK), Astana, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø, Norway
Área de Zoología, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Universidad de León, León, Spain
RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, UK Headquarters, The Lodge, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, United Kingdom
Department of Conservation Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK)
Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources
Faculty of Technology
Área de Zoología
RSPB Centre for Conservation Science
Royal Botanic Gardens
Department of Conservation Biology
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