In the realm of conservation, the fate of many endangered species hinges not only on scientific assessments but also on public perception and support. However, a troubling phenomenon has emerged in recent years – the ‘beauty bias’ – where aesthetically pleasing species receive disproportionate attention compared to their less visually appealing counterparts. This bias has … [Read more…]
Conservation efforts have long relied on flagship species to rally support and drive meaningful change. However, recent studies have shed light on the profound impact of individual organisms in this narrative. These extraordinary beings, with their unique traits and compelling life stories, have emerged as powerful catalysts in inspiring empathy and spurring action within the … [Read more…]
The Earth is home to millions of species, but you wouldn’t know it from the media’s obsession with only a few dozen animals like tigers and gorillas. This narrow focus makes the most of popular fascination with large and cute creatures. Conservationists take advantage of these nonhuman celebrities to raise awareness about important issues and … [Read more…]
The Fifa World Cup host, Brazil, has been criticised for failing to make environmental policy changes it promised ahead of the championships. Even the Fifa mascot, Fuleco the armadillo, is under fire. The furry mascot, whose name combines the Portuguese words for football and ecology, is failing to promote the conservation of the latter. In this piece in the … [Read more…]