Range Rider Programs (RRPs) are one example of a proactive non-lethal tool that has been implemented in the western United States to mitigate wolf-livestock conflicts. I surveyed 51 participants from 17 RRPs in Montana, Washington, and Oregon to develop a typology of operational programs and assess perceptions of effectiveness. I conducted interviews with RRP coordinators (n=20), ranchers (n=25), and range riders (n=6) to obtain information regarding program structure and perceived effectiveness. Programs shared similar organizational components and operational structures, but the typology identified 3 RRP versions based on program focus: 1) livestock monitoring, 2) wolf surveillance, and 3) livestock herding. Although the RRPs were diverse, they shared traits exemplified in contemporary community-based conservation programs including use of an adaptive, democratic approach for decision making, and rider implementation that provided benefits to multiple and diverse stakeholders. 

The coordinator, rancher, and rider interviews identified four common themes yielding diverse perceptions: 1) establishing human presence around livestock herds, 2) use of radio-collars to monitor wolves, 3) building trust/relationships, and 4) seeking stable funding sources. While most RRPs primary objective was to proactively reduce wolf-livestock conflicts, quantifying this impact was perceived to be difficult. Interview responses suggested a RRP’s primary contribution may not be a direct reduction in livestock depredations, but instead may be the collection of other benefits this tool provides. 

Livestock management benefits identified by participants included depredation mitigation, increased information on livestock, and rapid carcass identification, while social benefits included program influence on public perception, empowerment, reduced stress, and trust building. Challenges identified included: too much area for range riders to cover, appropriate application of radio-telemetry technology, distrust, use of lethal control by riders, and funding. 

To improve current RRPs and develop future efforts, programs should be realistic in expectations and work with rancher participants to develop an adaptive RRP that meets participant needs, maintains transparent communication, and provides a forum for feedback. Program coordinators, ranchers, and riders could benefit from discussion at the start of each field season to address how to handle potential complex situations and get all collaborators on the same page.