We provide guidance to wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations on the design and implementation of applied research, policies, and outreach efforts related to conservation and human-wildlife conflicts. As part of our research we evaluate: 1) people's attitudes towards the environment and wildlife; 2) experiences with wildlife and wildlife-related conflicts; and 3) preferences for conservation programs. We then translate this science-based research into extension educational efforts to assist government wildlife agencies, other conservation agencies and Extension faculty to better engage residents in behaviors that reduce human-wildlife conflicts and promote the conservation and management of wildlife, native habitats, and ecosystem services.

The specific objectives of our extension program are to:

1. increase agencies’ knowledge and understanding of residents’ attitudes towards wildlife and willingness to engage in actions to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts;

2. improve the effectiveness of agency programs in engaging key stakeholders and residents in conservation behaviors;

3. improve social science capacity within agencies to address conservation issues; and

4. work with Extension faculty to increase residents’ and private landowners’ knowledge of wildlife, and their willingness to engage in appropriate measures to conserve wildlife, habitat and other natural resources.

Extension Documents

Hostetler, M., S. M. Wisely, S. Johnson, E. F. Pienaar and M. B. Main (2020) “WEC423/UW468: How Effective and Humane Is Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) for Feral Cats?” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw468

Boughton, R., B. Wight, E. F. Pienaar and M. B. Main (2020) “WEC419/UW464: Mammalian Carnivores of Florida” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw464

North, B. W., J. D. Sullivan and E. F. Pienaar (2019) “WEC403/UW448 Basic Steps to Creating a Conservation Land Trust in Florida” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw448

Episcopio, D. J., E. F. Pienaar and M. B. Main (2018) “WEC145/UW144 Did I See a Panther?” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw144

Anderson, K. C. and E. F. Pienaar (2017) “WEC392/UW437 Securing Pet Food from Florida Black Bears and Coyotes” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw437

North, B. W. and E. F. Pienaar (2017) “WEC391/UW436 Land Trusts in Florida: A Brief Guide to Land Trusts to Protect Land in Your Community” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw436

Noel, E. T., and E. F. Pienaar (2017) “WEC385/UW430: Securing Bird Feeders from Florida Black Bears” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw430

Noel, E. T., E. F. Pienaar and M. Orlando (2017) “WEC384/UW429: Reducing Human-Bear Conflicts: Bear-Resistant Trash Cans” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw429

Rodgers, P. D., E. F. Pienaar, M. Lotz and D. Land (2016) “WEC378/UW423: Protecting Florida Panthers by Protecting Domestic Animals: Building a ‘Panther-Proof’ Pen” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw423

Kreye, M. M., E. F. Pienaar, and R. K. Boughton (2016) “WEC370/UW415: Landowner Cost-share Incentives and Payments for Ecosystem Services: A Comparison of Key Program Features” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw415

Pienaar, E. F. and M. M. Kreye (2016) “WEC368/ UW413: Government Efforts to Protect Habitat for the Florida Panther on Private Lands” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw413

Kreye, M. M., E. F. Pienaar, R. K. Boughton and L. Wiggins (2016) “WEC369/UW414: Using the Ecosystem Services Approach to Advance Conservation Efforts on Private Lands” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw414

Kreye, M. M., E. F. Pienaar, R. K. Boughton and L. Wiggins (2015) “WEC358/UW403: Safe Harbor Agreement: A Regulatory Assurance under the Endangered Species Act” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw403

Pienaar, E. F. and E. Rubino (2014) “WEC345/UW390: Habitat Requirements of the Florida Panther” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw390

Pienaar, E. F. (2014) “WEC344/UW389: Conflicts between People and the Florida Black Bear” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw389

Pienaar, E. F. (2014) “WEC341/UW386: Valuing the Recreation Uses of Natural Resources: the Travel Cost Method” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw386

Pienaar, E. F. (2013) “WEC340/UW385: Measuring the Economic Value of the Environment and Natural Resources” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3329.0640.

Pienaar, E. F. (2013) “WEC338/UW383: The Use of Cost-Benefit Analysis in Environmental Policy” University of Florida Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2935.8488.