Large carnivores and zoos as catalysts for engaging the public in the protection of biodiversity

By

Consorte-McCrea, Adriana
Fernandez, Ana
Bainbridge, Alan
Moss, Andrew
Prévot, Anne-Caroline
Clayton, Susan
Glikman, Jenny Anne
Johansson, Maria
López-Bao, José Vicente
Bath, Alistair
Frank, Beatrice
Marchini, Silvio

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2019

Original Publication

Nature conservation

Volume

37

Pages

133--150

Subjects

ambassador species , Biodiversity conservation , conservation biology , human-wildlife conflict , large carnivores , Zoos

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers 2012-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.37.39501

 

Abstract

Addressing the biodiversity crisis requires renewed collaborative approaches. Large carnivores are ambassador species, and as such they can aid the protection of a wide range of species, including evolutionarily distinct and threatened ones, while being popular for conservation marketing. However, conflicts between carnivores and people present a considerable challenge to biodiversity conservation. Our cross disciplinary essay brings together original research to discuss key issues in the conservation of large carnivores as keystone species for biodiversity rich, healthy ecosystems. Our findings suggest the need to promote coexistence through challenging ‘wilderness’ myths; to consider coexistence/conflict as a continuum; to include varied interest groups in decision making; to address fear through positive mediated experiences, and to explore further partnerships with zoos. As wide-reaching institutions visited by over 700 million people/year worldwide, zoos combine knowledge, emotion and social context creating ideal conditions for the development of care towards nature, pro-environmental behaviors and long-term connections between visitors and carnivores. Based on current research, we provide evidence that large carnivores and zoos are both powerful catalysts for public engagement with biodiversity conservation, recognizing barriers and suggesting future ways to collaborate to address biodiversity loss.