This chapter explores some of the emerging theoretical perspectives that I suggest should inform and complement wildlife corridor projects. In it, I describe the ways that wildlife corridor projects may benefit from the inclusion of perspectives grounded in compassionate conservation, entangled empathy, and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). Subsequently, this chapter argues for an approach to connectivity and coexistence that rethinks more commonly perceived boundaries and hierarchies in human/nonhuman animal relationships, that works against anthropocentric and hierarchical thinking, and that does not necessarily privilege humans above other species, or privilege one kind of species over another. In short, we must design spaces that allow for people and wildlife to coexist in the Anthropocene.

Compassionate Conservation

Compassionate conservation is an interdisciplinary movement that has steadily gained international attention and momentum in recent years. A compassionate conservation approach, as the University of Technology Sydney's Centre for Compassionate Conservation describes it, “promotes the treatment of all wildlife with respect, justice, and compassion” and is based on the guiding principles of “first, do no harm, individuals matter, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence.” Moreover, it “aims to find solutions for conservation practitioners that minimise harming wildlife.” When applied to the practice of wildlife corridors, compassionate conservation would advocate for an approach that takes into consideration the lives of all species that may utilize or migrate through specific habitats. It would recognize that wildlife may be affected by the actions of humans, whether intentional or unintentional, as well as by the natural processes affecting the ecosystems that wildlife inhabit. It would then seek to minimize any harm to wildlife to the extent possible, regardless of the purpose behind the action.

Marc Bekoff, a scholar of ecology, evolutionary biology, and animal behavior who initially conceptualized compassionate conservation, likewise advocates for such an approach. He reiterates that the initial step in enacting compassionate conservation is to do no harm, but he also emphasizes a necessary shift in perspective that recognizes animals as sentient, individual beings: