Public opinion toward a misunderstood predator: what do people really know about wolverine and can educational programs promote its conservation?

Bonamy, Morgane; Harbicht, Andrew B.; Herrmann, Thora Martina; Gagnon, Christine

doi:10.1080/11956860.2019.1698252

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The presence of such collective memories, despite the absence of their subject, has also been found in studies in other parts of the world (Skogen, Mauz, & Krange, 2008;Lescureux et al, 2011) and suggest that even after a species disappears from an area, the memories, myths, local anecdotes, and emotions associated with that species may remain. Because such stories tend to focus on what is arguably the more interesting behavioural characteristics of a species (in this case: intelligence, tenacity, toughness, and thievery), it is important for education programmes to compliment such knowledge with biological and behavioral information about such threatened species, as a potential means of explaining the qualities described in stories and to provide a balanced interpretation (Bonamy et al, 2019a;Devitt and Schacter, 2016). Stories and anecdotes are a good way to keep a species "alive" while making an animal interesting for adults and children alike who may never encounter that species in real life.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This information can help managers develop educational programmes that encourage support for the species of interest. The importance of this initial step is underscored by the correlation between public support for conservation programmes and public awareness about the species in question (Bonamy et al, 2019a).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It will, after all, be the younger generation that will support future wildlife conservation programmes. Research indicates that the most effective way to modify public opinion or dissipate fears associated with carnivores is through education and habituation during childhood (Bonamy, Harbicht, Herrmann, & Gagnon, 2019; Mannelqvist, 2010; Münchhausen & Herrmann, 2008). However, to maximise the effectiveness of such initiatives they must target the appropriate groups and use tailored educational programmes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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How children in northern Canada represent the wolverine through drawings

Bonamy

Harbicht

Herrmann³

2020

Polar Record

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This study explores the perception of wolverines, a carnivore in decline, by youths in northern Canada, the future generation of stakeholders. To accomplish this, we analysed 165 drawings from children and 22 interviews with Indigenous adults in the Northwest Territories and Quebec. Overall, children primarily drew wolverines in healthy environments, with only a minority depicting the wolverine’s environment negatively. All children demonstrated a basic understanding of the wolverine’s physical appearance and biology/ecology, with few differences in how the wolverine was depicted among the different research areas. Among interviewed adults, the ecological role played by wolverines was less prominent among the themes explored by Naskapi participants than was their role as a thief or pest, when contrasted to Dene participants. These results indicate that information about wolverine habitat or biology is still being acquired by children in areas where wolverines are extirpated, but that a lack of exposure to this species may negatively influence children’s understanding of its ecological role. These results suggest that informing the public about this carnivore’s ecological role may improve public support and, therefore, the likelihood of successful conservation programmes.

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