ABSTRACT The Central Arctic Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) Herd (CACH) of Arctic Alaska rapidly declined (approximately 70%) between 2010–2016, which has generated hunter concerns and more conservative hunting regulations. Stakeholders expressed interest in exploring opportunities for a more effective exchange of information to facilitate management. We conducted a survey to identify hunters’ insights into CACH dynamics and to estimate the extent and effectiveness of stakeholder communication channels. Most hunters (69%) perceived a decline in caribou numbers where they hunt because of shifts in caribou movement. Approximately half of hunters (46%) communicated with other stakeholders and primarily shared their thoughts through solely informal (29%) rather than formal (2%) communication channels. Informal channels were perceived as equally or more effective than formal channels for influencing management. We provided a revised model of hunter engagement in the regulatory process. Our research contributes to knowledge on stakeholder communication channels, an understudied topic within wildlife management.

中文翻译：

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探索阿拉斯加北极驯鹿狩猎系统内的利益相关者沟通

摘要 在 2010 年至 2016 年期间，阿拉斯加北极地区的中部北极驯鹿 (Rangifer tarandus) 群 (CACH) 迅速减少（约 70%），这引起了猎人的担忧和更保守的狩猎规定。利益相关者表示有兴趣探索更有效地交流信息以促进管理的机会。我们进行了一项调查，以确定猎人对 CACH 动态的见解，并估计利益相关者沟通渠道的范围和有效性。大多数猎人 (69%) 认为，由于驯鹿运动的变化，他们狩猎的驯鹿数量减少了。大约一半的猎人 (46%) 与其他利益相关者沟通，主要通过非正式 (29%) 而非正式 (2%) 的沟通渠道分享他们的想法。在影响管理方面，非正式渠道被认为与正式渠道同等或更有效。我们在监管过程中提供了猎人参与的修订模型。我们的研究有助于了解利益相关者的沟通渠道，这是野生动物管理中一个未被充分研究的主题。