Exotic species are perceived more than native ones in a megadiverse country as brazil

Abstract

Research on environmental perception is essential for the understanding of individuals' relations and expectations towards natural environments. Here, we evaluated the perception of high school students on exotic and native species in Brazil. We interviewed 371 students from two high schools located in the state of Goiás, one with and one without a protected area within its premises. Students needed to identify native and exotic species and to indicate species origin. We used a t-test to evaluate differences between students' scores regarding the correctness of species origin and also ANOVA to assess whether these scores varied among taxonomic groups. Students identified exotic species better than native ones. Students better identified exotic mammals, fishes, and birds than native ones. We found there were no significant relationships of students' knowledge of species' origins with socioecological factors. Students' perceptions of exotic and native species were low and focused on charismatic large-bodied species. We suggest that students are encouraged to expand their knowledge of local biodiversity. Teachers, local schools, and policymakers are essential to achieve this aim. A more diverse methodology for teaching, including new technologies and citizen-science projects, can help establish a genuine interest of local biodiversity students.

Age and Fieldwork Experience Increase Brazilian University Students’ Ability to Identify Wild Mammals

“…Similarly, Sampaio et al (2018) observed a greater knowledge about native animals among children who had contact with nature. In fact, the experiences people have with nature are considered a key factor to determine how they will establish connections with nature and how they will perceive it (Carvalho, 2014;Melo et al, 2021). Unsurprisingly, this does not seem to be the case of the surveyed area, given that 94.27% of the population lives in urban areas (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estat ıstica (IBGE), 2010).…”

“…It is possible that the wide geographic distribution of these species, with their presence in several Brazilian phytogeographic domains, contributes to knowledge among students. For instance, the Jaguar is one of the best-known native species among university students from other Brazilian regions (de Melo et al, 2021). Besides, the Brown-throated Sloth is known as the world's slowest animal, so in simplified vocabulary, it is a synonym of a person who has no disposition to work.…”

“…It shows, for instance, that the formal course structure is not contributing satisfactorily to the knowledge about native mammals. Similarly, undergraduate courses related to Environmental Sciences (e.g., Agronomy, Biological Sciences, Ecology, and Veterinary Medicine courses) from other Brazilian regions do not seem to be contributing to this type of knowledge (de Melo et al, 2021).…”

“…The concern with the natural environment has reached significant proportions in various sectors of the society; therefore, the search for alternatives to improve people’s sensitivity to the issue has been the focus in the most differentiated technical, scientific, and political forums (Sachs, 2002). In fact, environmental education and conservation should combine recognition and understanding of the local biodiversity, including these skills in formal, non-formal, and informal educational activities (Melo et al., 2021; Palmberg et al., 2015; White et al., 2018). However, no much is taught about native species in primary and secondary schools, and most material focus on a few species, usually alien (Melo et al., 2021).…”

Which birds are Brazilians seeing on urban and non-urban feeders? An analysis based on a collective online birding

“…Brazil has different climate (Alvares et al 2013 ) and biodiversity hotspots (Begossi et al 2000 ), in which the dynamic of interactions between birds and their resources may be highly complex (e.g., Campagnoli and Christianini 2022 ) even in human-modified landscapes (Pizo 2007 ). Besides, Brazilians have different cultures, social characteristics, and perceptions of their fauna (Belaire et al 2015 ; Melo et al 2021 ). Consequently, the extrapolation of conclusions suggested by foreign studies is still mistrusted by Brazilian citizens and decision-makers, inciting controversial discussions on the encouragement or the banning of the use of bird feeders in the country (e.g., Olmos 2017 ; Baverstock et al 2019 ).…”