WildlifeDAMAGES SPAIN Data

Abstract

Human population and anthropogenic pressures on Earth´s ecosystems are growing in unprecedented numbers, promoting an increase of animal-human interactions that may have negative effects for both wildlife and humans. Among all types of animal-human interactions, animal-caused damages to human properties and activities (i.e. livestock depredation, crop riding, etc.) are especially relevant, frequently leading to the emergence of human-wildlife conflicts that may additionally jeopardize conservation efforts. In this context, gathering accurate information about damages caused by animals is essential to minimize these conflicts. In Spain, most information about animal-caused damages to human properties and activities is gathered by different regional Administrations (i.e. Comunidades Autónomas), implying that data are generally scattered, fragmented and highly heterogeneous, hindering the implementation of effective and adaptive management strategies aiming at reducing these conflicts. Here we present a unique dataset in which we gathered all the information available about individual damages produced by animals to human activities and properties. Data were collected from different Administrations and subsequently standardized and unified in a single database. This dataset is a valuable resource not only because it will allow a deep characterization of the casuistry of animal-caused damages to human properties and activities in Spain but also because we believe that it provides a good example of which variables must be collected by the different Administrations responsible of collecting these data.