Two peer-reviewed research papers have recently been published by the WRMES team, partners and graduate students. The first, titled Beef Cattle Producer Perspectives on Virtual Fencing, was published in the Journal of Rangeland Ecology and Management and examines perspectives ranchers have with the new technology. Despite concerns for animal welfare, efficacy of the technology and costs, most ranchers were optimistic that virtual fencing can be used to help improve grazing management, reduce wildlife conflicts and protect sensitive landscapes. The second paper, titled US Livestock Produce Interest in Alternatives to Compensation Program for Wolf Depredation, was published in the Journal of Human Dimensions of Wildlife. The study found that most ranchers believe that indirect impacts from predator-induced stress are as, or more, damaging than mortality caused by depredation. Respondents also reported general dissatisfaction with reporting processes, inadequate compensation, and lack of trust and satisfaction surrounding depredation confirmation.
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