Human-large carnivore conflict is a crucially important conservation issue. As humans are the common thread in the highly variable arena of human-wildlife conflict, and the course and resolution of conflict are determined by the thoughts and actions of the people involved, understanding the human dimension is the most crucial prerequisite for developing effective mitigation. People differ in their attitudes and emotions towards carnivores, but some trends have emerged. Understanding both individual and societal/cultural determinants of conflict with carnivores is critical for mitigation. Information at the individual level helps to understand people's behaviours towards carnivores and to evaluate prevention and conflict mitigation measures. Conservationists need to be aware of the complex, dynamic nature of such conflicts, and develop solutions that are not externally imposed but which are locally driven, participatory and culturally sensitive, in order to make carnivore killing personally, socially and culturally unacceptable. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
