Wildness in the Dutch landscape - A study into the perception of wildness of large grazers at the Veluwe, the Netherlands

Abstract

Due to growing human influence on the natural landscape, either through fragmentation, or human interference, the pressure on shared natural areas is increasing. Recreational purposes meet the habitats of wildlife, and potential conflict arises. Rewilding is an approach for enhancing the environmental quality, and this can, for example, be done through the reintroduction of large grazers. Even though the large grazers successfully roam the forests and maintain the landscape, they are not wild. They have been domesticated by humans; their historic ancestors have become extinct. The legal status forces nature managers to comply with monitoring and medical obligations. Wildness is one approach through which this process can be analysed. There is, however, no clear definition of the concept of wildness. This research constructs a framework in which three complementing pillars (de-domestication, ethics, and nature experience) contribute to an understanding of wildness. Encounters with nature shape our perceptions of nature, together with our residential orientation, as well as our role or function within the field. Urban oriented people experience nature differently from those with a rural identity; nature managers aim for biodiversity and natural dynamics, whereas the visitor has a recreational purpose to be in the field. The case study of the Veluwe looked specifically into the perception of wildness in one of the largest natural areas of the Netherlands. The wildlife management approach in this area is known for its dynamic character; the size of the area allows the large grazes to be practically wild. In order to better understand the perception of wildness, semi-structured interviews with experts and stakeholders formed the foundation of a framework on wildness. Nine different themes were identified that could substantiate the three pillars obtained from the literature. The survey among the visiting public was designed based on these themes. Statistical analyses on the survey have shown that the pillars have no significant internal consistency, although certain clusters of visitors could be formed. Also, no significant difference between different residential orientations have been established. The perception of wildness does, however, allow for wildlife managers to enhance the behaviour of the visitor targeted by specific communications.