Transformations in Socio-ecological Values of Beavers in Michigan: Implications of Social Learning Concepts

Abstract

Beavers are one of the most exceptional keystone species in the human-wildlife coexistence relationship. Historically, beavers in North America have experienced dramatic population declines due to centuries of intensive trapping and habitat degradation during the fur trade era. However, growing recognition of their role as ecosystem engineers has led to more public attention, promoting conservation initiatives that aimed at restoring beaver populations and their associated ecological benefits. Through archival research, policy analysis, and interviews, our study presents the coevolution of narratives, governance regimes and conservation practices, which also reflects the role of social learning. Our development of an interactive case study on the Learn Gala platform explores how digital co-creation can extend these learning processes into participatory, place-based conservation knowledge, and highlight the enduring role of social learning from past to present. Weargue that species reestablishment that grounded in these collaborative learning processes in human society can emerge as a frontier for rethinking conservation as a shared, adaptive, and justice-oriented endeavor.