Biodiversity conservation isn’t just about protecting species; it’s about changing the way we, as humans, interact with the natural world. Every major threat to wildlife, from climate change and pollution to habitat destruction, is driven by human behavior. That’s why influencing behavior is essential if we are to address the ongoing extinction crisis. Our recent … [Read more…]
As conservationists, we often grapple with how to effectively motivate people to adopt more environmentally friendly behaviors. Whether it’s reducing consumption of wildlife products, embracing sustainable lifestyles, or supporting conservation policies, changing human behavior is critical for achieving our goals. In our recent paper, “Designing celebrity-endorsed behavioral interventions in conservation,” published in Conservation Biology, my … [Read more…]
The study explored the impact of a natural history film, “The Elephant Queen” (TEQ), on the attitudes of communities living near elephants in Southern Kenya. Human-elephant conflict poses a significant challenge to wildlife conservation, and while efforts have been made to mitigate conflict, few focus on fostering understanding and tolerance between humans and elephants. Researchers … [Read more…]
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…]
Dive into the world of shark fin consumption we uncover crucial insights in our latest study conducted in Singapore. Sharks, rays, and their cartilaginous relatives face significant threats globally, primarily due to overfishing driven by intricate market forces, including the demand for fins. Read it HERE Our study, centered around an online discrete choice experiment, … [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 first edition of the IUCN’s Guidelines on human-wildlife conflict and coexistence have just been released! This is a labour of love that has taken a team of 40-odd authors several years to put together. I was proud to lead the chapter on behaviour change and co-author the one focused on impact evaluation. Have a … [Read more…]
The 15th Conference of the Parties of the Covention for Biological Diversity. also known as COP 15 is starting in the Canadian city of Montreal. I am about to get moving there (Oxford posted about it) to talk about the Nature Attitude Tracker, a platform that uses mass media and social media data to understand … [Read more…]
I recently wrote a short summary of a review we published recently (more on that soon) for the excellent blog Please keep to the path! See below.. In a nutshell: When it comes to looking at changing actual behaviour to conserve the environment the evidence base is limited as most studies do not measure actual … [Read more…]
I was one of the guests in the latest episode of the WildCats Conservation Alliance “Pawcast” focused on influencing consumer behaviour in the context of the illegal trade in tiger parts. It was great to have the chance to discuss some of the challenges around influencing behaviour.. Have a listen below!