Past Research
Past research on the effects of human recreation shows that we do indeed have a significant impact on wildlife species.
Results from Reed and Merenlender (2008) showed that native carnivore populations decreased by 80% in areas that allowed human recreation. More specifically areas that allowed domestic dogs had a lower percentage of native carnivores than areas that excluded dogs.
Hikers accompanied by dogs have the potential to greatly impact wildlife. Domestic dogs directly impact wildlife through harassment—such as chasing—which results in disruption of normal maintenance routines of wildlife (Sime, CA. 1999).
Stress responses in wildlife may cause an increase in heart rate and an increase in adrenal activity. Levels of glucocorticoid, a steroid associated with adrenal activity, were used to determine effects of visitor use on populations of the European pine marten (Barja et al., 2007). Fecal glucocorticoid levels were higher in martens during high visitor-use seasons. These results show correlation of a stress response induced by human recreation.
Results from Reed and Merenlender (2008) showed that native carnivore populations decreased by 80% in areas that allowed human recreation. More specifically areas that allowed domestic dogs had a lower percentage of native carnivores than areas that excluded dogs.
Hikers accompanied by dogs have the potential to greatly impact wildlife. Domestic dogs directly impact wildlife through harassment—such as chasing—which results in disruption of normal maintenance routines of wildlife (Sime, CA. 1999).
Stress responses in wildlife may cause an increase in heart rate and an increase in adrenal activity. Levels of glucocorticoid, a steroid associated with adrenal activity, were used to determine effects of visitor use on populations of the European pine marten (Barja et al., 2007). Fecal glucocorticoid levels were higher in martens during high visitor-use seasons. These results show correlation of a stress response induced by human recreation.