Adaptive management (AM) is widely promoted to improve management of natural
resources, yet its implementation is challenging. We show that obstacles to the im-
plementation of AM are related not only to the AM process per se but also to external
factors such as ecosystem properties and governance systems. To overcome ob-
stacles, there is a need to build capacities within the AM process by ensuring ade-
quate resources, management tools, collaboration, and learning. Additionally,
building capacities in the legal and institutional frames can enable the necessary
flexibility in the governance system. Furthermore, in systems experiencing profound
changes in wildlife populations, building such capacities may be even more critical
as more flexibility will be needed to cope with increased uncertainty and changed
environmental conditions
