Understanding local pig hunter values and practices as a means toward co-management of feral pigs ( Sus scrofa ; pua'a) in the Hawaiian Islands

Differing values between communities and government resource managers may lead to conflict, particularly when community members are not involved in decision making. Increasingly, co-management arrangements have become an important tool increase local capacity for management, trust diverse groups, foster effective stewardship. However, depends upon collaboration users the ability understand relationships a given those who use it, even these often viewed as contravening conservation efforts. Invasive species, such feral pigs (Sus scrofa), present particular management challenges because they damage island ecosystems but also integral life ways food systems. Based on interviews with pig hunters Hawaiian Islands, we explored social-cultural practices of hunters, their reasons hunting, possibilities greater management. Results highlight importance hunting both other forms well-being cultural perpetuation, along opportunities (1) expanding mechanisms access improve invasive species; (2) integrating rights responsibilities meet objectives; (3) improving communication enhance collaborative arrangements. Considering context managing ecologically detrimental this study offers insights guide partnerships groups that sometimes perceived opposed species control