THE HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF CONSERVATION
Just as much as conservation is a puzzle of ecosystems and resource management, it's a puzzle of human management.
What factors influence the likeability of a species?
Why do we want to monetarily support the conservation of some species over others?
We investigate these questions and more in our study, and invite you to explore our results and take action as you browse our website.
What factors influence the likeability of a species?
Why do we want to monetarily support the conservation of some species over others?
We investigate these questions and more in our study, and invite you to explore our results and take action as you browse our website.
Our Survey
-Sample size of 50 college students
-Asked participants to rate per-species likeability and donation willingness on a scale of 1 to 6 for 5 charismatic and 5 non-charismatic species of equivalent animal class
-Also assessed previous exposure to college-level conservation education
-2 different surveys administered at random
-Asked participants to rate per-species likeability and donation willingness on a scale of 1 to 6 for 5 charismatic and 5 non-charismatic species of equivalent animal class
-Also assessed previous exposure to college-level conservation education
-2 different surveys administered at random
- One survey included conservation status information
- One survey did not include that information
Key Findings
1. Education had a significant impact on the participant likeability and donation willingness ratings for non-charismatic species - more exposure to conservation education, greater likeability and WTD.
2. Conservation status did not have a significant impact on participant likeability or WTD ratings for charismatic or non-charismatic species.
3. Charismatic species always outperformed their non-charismatic equivalents in terms of likeability and WTD.
2. Conservation status did not have a significant impact on participant likeability or WTD ratings for charismatic or non-charismatic species.
3. Charismatic species always outperformed their non-charismatic equivalents in terms of likeability and WTD.
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