The role of social capital in endangered species management: A valuable resource

• Published in: Wildlife Society bulletin 2015-12, Vol.39 (4), p.689-699
• Main Authors: Ragland, Chara J., Bernacchi, Leigh A., Peterson, Tarla Rai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Communities; community involvement; Community structure; Endangered species; Environmental conservation; Grus americana; Habitat conservation; Natural resource management; Natural resources conservation; Original Article; Social capital; whooping cranes; Wildlife conservation; Wildlife management
• ISSN: 1938-5463; 1938-5463; 2328-5540
• DOI: 10.1002/wsb.602

The whooping crane (Grus americana) is an endangered North American species facing multiple environmental and anthropogenic threats. Even if the species thrives, it must continue to be managed after recovery because the threats will not abate. We examined how social capital serves as a resource for potential community involvement in whooping crane management by conducting semi-structured interviews (Jul–Sep 2010) of 35 individuals, 25 of whomare concerned community members who work and/or live in the wintering grounds of the lone wild population of whooping cranes in the Texas Coastal Bend, USA.We used an iterative process of inductive analysis to examine structural and cognitive dimensions of social capital within the community.We observed networks with bonding ties within the community that are strengthened by active engagement in crane-related activities, shared values andcommunity identity, and institutions that have fostered leadership and service. Bridging ties between community and state, federal, academic, and nonprofit organizations offer opportunities for knowledge sharing and legitimacy. Reciprocity and trust were evident from descriptions of the community working together effectively to address environmental and crane-related concerns. Challenges to successful community involvement include finding ways for meaningful community contributions to foster greater trust between the community and federal natural resource managers. We suggest social capital in this community provides a resource that has the potential to save time and money in addressing ongoing efforts to protect this charismatic endangered species.