Human–nature relationships: An introduction to social–ecological practice theory for human–wildlife interactions

Conservation science requires a balance of social and ecological perspectives to understand human–wildlife interactions. We look for an integrative social–ecological framework that emphasizes equal representation across social and ecological conservation sciences. In this perspective, we suggest “social–ecological practice theory”, an integration of general ecological theory and anthropology’s practice theory, for a conservation-minded social–ecological framework to better theorize human–nature relationships. Our approach deliberately pulls from subdisciplines of anthropology, specifically a body of social theory founded by anthropology and social science called practice theory. We then illustrate how to apply social–ecological practice theory to our case study in the Makgadikgadi region of Botswana. We highlight how the practices of people, lions, and cattle—in combination with environmental and structural features—provide the needed context to deepen the understanding of human–wildlife conflict in the region. Social–ecological practice theory highlights the complexity that exists on the landscape, and may more effectively result in conservation strategies for human–wildlife coexistence.