Using Cognitive Anthropology to Create Mental Models of Red Band Trout Ecosystems in Owyhee County, Idaho
Additional Funding Sources
The project described was supported by NSF Award No. OIA-1757324 from the NSF Idaho EPSCoR Program and the National Science Foundation. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NSF.
Presentation Date
7-2022
Abstract
As climate change and anthropogenic impacts contribute to an increase in ambient and water temperatures and a decrease in precipitation, Redband Trout and their tendency to live in isolated, arid environments are especially vulnerable. This is further exacerbated by human disturbance activities in the region such as ranching, mining, and off-road recreational use. We interviewed a total of 12 different individuals including managers, biologists, academics, researchers, and non-profit directors from various organizations, government agencies, and universities (University of Idaho and Idaho State University) to examine their knowledge of the Redband Trout. Through qualitative interviews and the use of mental models, we will be highlighting the differences and similarities between Redband Trout stakeholders’ conceptual socio-ecological maps of Redband Trout in the Owyhee regions. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the most common challenges to the Redband Trout system include water diversions, overgrazing (during warm month periods), invasive species, erosion, and reduced habitat availability and complexity--often associated with the reduction in riparian habitat. Along with shading provided by riparian habitat, factors necessary for Redband Trout survival include connectivity for trout migration and mobility, pooling water often associated with beaver dams and Beaver Dam Analog structures (hereafter, BDA structures), and a reliable food source of insects. We are currently analyzing stakeholder uncertainties with regard to these ecological relationships. Management to improve Redband Trout habitat and availability was a common concern among most stakeholders and a call for interagency partnerships may contribute to future solutions of improved Redband Trout habitat--positioned in an ever-changing environment.
Using Cognitive Anthropology to Create Mental Models of Red Band Trout Ecosystems in Owyhee County, Idaho
As climate change and anthropogenic impacts contribute to an increase in ambient and water temperatures and a decrease in precipitation, Redband Trout and their tendency to live in isolated, arid environments are especially vulnerable. This is further exacerbated by human disturbance activities in the region such as ranching, mining, and off-road recreational use. We interviewed a total of 12 different individuals including managers, biologists, academics, researchers, and non-profit directors from various organizations, government agencies, and universities (University of Idaho and Idaho State University) to examine their knowledge of the Redband Trout. Through qualitative interviews and the use of mental models, we will be highlighting the differences and similarities between Redband Trout stakeholders’ conceptual socio-ecological maps of Redband Trout in the Owyhee regions. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the most common challenges to the Redband Trout system include water diversions, overgrazing (during warm month periods), invasive species, erosion, and reduced habitat availability and complexity--often associated with the reduction in riparian habitat. Along with shading provided by riparian habitat, factors necessary for Redband Trout survival include connectivity for trout migration and mobility, pooling water often associated with beaver dams and Beaver Dam Analog structures (hereafter, BDA structures), and a reliable food source of insects. We are currently analyzing stakeholder uncertainties with regard to these ecological relationships. Management to improve Redband Trout habitat and availability was a common concern among most stakeholders and a call for interagency partnerships may contribute to future solutions of improved Redband Trout habitat--positioned in an ever-changing environment.