Human and nature at conflict: a case study of Mauritius flying fox, Pteropus niger

Naiken, Tavinia

Human and nature at conflict: a case study of Mauritius flying fox, Pteropus niger

Master Thesis

2022

Abstract

The flying fox, Pteropus niger, an endemic old world bat species on the volcanic island of Mauritius, has been subjected to several culling initiatives since 2015. Government of the Republic of Mauritius, reacting to pressures from fruit producers opted for culling while conservationists argue that non-lethal strategies be adopted to deal with fruit damage caused by the fruit bats. This thesis presents qualitative research aimed at investigating this societynature conflict in Mauritius. Interviews about the culling of the flying fox were carried out in 2017 in Mauritius, with a few conservationists and small-scale fruit growers. The significant findings were that despite each stakeholder having valid arguments, miscommunication and lack of mediation resulted in ineffective actions. A need for more eco-centric approaches that allow for sustainable development was identified. Reforestation and biodiversity conservation need to be included in the political and economic plans for the inclusion of the flying fox as part of the Mauritian environment. There seems to be a disconnect from Nature on the island on a cultural level that needs to be addressed as a long-term solution. Environmental humanities concepts such as multi-species thinking, political ecology, ecocentrism versus anthropocentrism, storytelling to create new ecological narratives and urban ecology are used to frame the discussion of this case study.

Keywords

medicine

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