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Fu C, Wang F, Zhao Y, Zhu Q, Luo Y, Li Y, Zhang Z, Yan X, Sun T, Liu Y, Li Z. Challenges and opportunities in human dimensions behind cat-wildlife conflict. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14253. [PMID: 38516741 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Because global anthropogenic activities cause vast biodiversity loss, human dimensions research is essential to forming management plans applicable to biodiversity conservation outside wilderness areas. Engaging public participation is crucial in this context to achieve social and environmental benefits. However, knowledge gaps remain in understanding how a balance between conservation and public demands can be reached and how complicated sociocultural contexts in the Anthropocene can be incorporated in conservation planning. We examined China's nationwide conflict between free-ranging cats (owned cats that are allowed to go outdoors or homeless cats living outdoors) and wildlife to examine how a consensus between compassion and biodiversity conservation can help in decision-making. We surveyed a random sample of people in China online. Over 9000 questionnaires were completed (44.2% response). In aggregate, respondents reported approximately 29 million free-ranging owned cats and that over 5 million domestic cats per year become feral in mainland China. Respondents who were cat owners, female, and religious were more likely to deny the negative impacts of cats on wildlife and ongoing management strategies and more supportive of stray cat shelters, adoption, and community-based fund raising than nonowners, male, and nonreligious respondents (p < 0.05). Free-ranging cat ownership and abandonment occurred less with owners with more knowledge of biodiversity and invasive species than with respondents with less knowledge of these subjects (p < 0.05). We recommend that cat enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists participate in community-based initiatives, such as campaigns to keep cats indoors. Our study provides a substantially useful framework for other regions where free-ranging cats are undergoing rapid expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjian Fu
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Coastal Ecosystems Research Station of the Yangtze River Estuary, Institute of Biodiversity Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yumeng Zhao
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Zhu
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunchao Luo
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhang Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziye Zhang
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueting Yan
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Taozhu Sun
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhongqiu Li
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Naito R, Chan KMA, López de la Lama R, Zhao J. Audience segmentation approach to conservation messaging for transforming the exotic pet trade. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14267. [PMID: 38682646 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Advancing transformative change for sustainability requires population-wide behavior change. Yet, many behavioral interventions tackling environmental problems only examine average effects on the aggregate, overlooking the heterogeneous effects in a population. We developed and preregistered a novel audience segmentation approach to test the diverse impact of conservation messaging on reducing demand for exotic pets (private action - i.e., desire to own exotic pets or visit wildlife entertainment places) and fostering citizen engagement for system-wide change (civic action - e.g., signing a petition or participating in a protest against the exotic pet trade). Through an online survey with US participants (n = 2953), we identified 4 population segments (early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards), representing varying levels of commitment to wildlife conservation and then randomly assigned each segment to one of 3 messaging conditions. Messages highlighting negative consequences of the exotic pet trade and the power of collective action for system change effectively promoted private action among all segments except early adopters (ηp 2 = 0.005). Among civic actions, only the collective action message motivated early adopters and the early majority to sign petitions (φC = 0.193 and φC = 0.097, respectively). Furthermore, the 4 segments showed distinct reasoning for action and inaction on wildlife conservation, with certain relational values, such as care, serving as both motivations and barriers to action. These findings highlight the need for targeted behavioral interventions across diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumi Naito
- Institute for Resources, Environment & Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kai M A Chan
- Institute for Resources, Environment & Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rocío López de la Lama
- Institute for Resources, Environment & Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jiaying Zhao
- Institute for Resources, Environment & Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Tran T, Xie S. Mitigating Wildlife Spillover in the Clinical Setting: How Physicians and Veterinarians Can Help Prevent Future Disease Outbreaks. AJPM FOCUS 2024; 3:100193. [PMID: 38379958 PMCID: PMC10876620 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2024.100193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The transmission of pathogens from wildlife to humans is a major global health threat that has been highlighted by the proposed origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous barriers impede pathogen spillover events from ensuing widespread human transmission, but human activity has accelerated the frequency of spillovers and subsequent disease outbreaks, in part through a booming wildlife trade whose impacts on health are not well understood. Methods A literature review was conducted to examine the risk that the wildlife trade poses to public health and the degree to which these risks are recognized and addressed in clinical practice and medical and veterinary education. Results The illicit aspects of the wildlife trade challenge efforts to understand its impacts on health. The U.S. and Europe play a leading role in the global wildlife trade that often goes unacknowledged. In particular, the consumption of wild meat and ownership of exotic pets poses public health risks. The potential role of clinicians is underutilized, both in the clinical setting and in clinical education. Discussion Physicians and veterinarians have the unique opportunity to utilize their clinical roles to address these knowledge gaps and mitigate future outbreaks. We outline a multifaceted approach that includes increasing clinical knowledge about the ecology of zoonotic diseases, leveraging opportunities for mitigation during patient/client-clinician interactions, and incorporating One Health core competencies into medical and veterinary school curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam Tran
- Department of Biology, Penn Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sherrie Xie
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Norconk MA, Atsalis S, Savage A. Can we eliminate the primate pet trade in the United States? Am J Primatol 2024; 86:e23525. [PMID: 37257913 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
International laws and conventions have gone a long way in reducing the number of wild primates entering the United States of America (US) for the pet trade. However, breeding primates for sale to private owners in the United States continues, and individual states present a bewildering array of laws and regulations on the holding of primates as pets. As primatologists we can act to decrease the demand for primate pets by (1) speaking out on the inappropriate use of primates in mass media and especially in social media; (2) not posing in photographs in close proximity to primates; (3) continuing to educate about why primates do not make good pets; and (4) contributing to the science that underlies state and federal legislation with the goal of eliminating captive breeding of primates for the pet trade. We encourage primatologists and others in related fields to be cognizant of the persistent commercialization of primates and be willing to take action to deter it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvia Atsalis
- Professional Development for Good, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Warwick C, Pilny A, Steedman C, Howell T, Martínez-Silvestre A, Cadenas V, Grant R. Mobile Zoos and Other Itinerant Animal Handling Events: Current Status and Recommendations for Future Policies. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:214. [PMID: 36670754 PMCID: PMC9854913 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mobile zoos are events in which non-domesticated (exotic) and domesticated species are transported to venues such as schools, hospitals, parties, and community centres, for the purposes of education, entertainment, or social and therapeutic assistance. We conducted literature searches and surveyed related government agencies regarding existing provisions within laws and policies, number of mobile zoos, and formal guidance issued concerning operation of such events in 74 countries or regions. We also examined governmental and non-governmental guidance standards for mobile zoos, as well as websites for mobile zoo operations, assessed promotional or educational materials for scientific accuracy, and recorded the diversity of species in use. We used the EMODE (Easy, Moderate, Difficult, or Extreme) algorithm, to evaluate identified species associated with mobile zoos for their suitability for keeping. We recorded 14 areas of concern regarding animal biology and public health and safety, and 8 areas of false and misleading content in promotional or educational materials. We identified at least 341 species used for mobile zoos. Mobile zoos are largely unregulated, unmonitored, and uncontrolled, and appear to be increasing. Issues regarding poor animal welfare, public health and safety, and education raise several serious concerns. Using the precautionary principle when empirical evidence was not available, we advise that exotic species should not be used for mobile zoos and similar itinerant events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford Warwick
- Emergent Disease Foundation, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ, UK
| | - Anthony Pilny
- Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital, 2340 E Beardsley Road Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85024, USA
| | - Catrina Steedman
- Emergent Disease Foundation, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ, UK
| | - Tiffani Howell
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, P.O. Box 199, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
| | | | - Vanessa Cadenas
- Animal Protection Biodiversity & Environment Section, Government of Catalonia, 43004 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Rachel Grant
- School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA, UK
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