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With increasing attention to climate change and biodiversity loss, conservation social science research on land management practices is burgeoning. Researchers have broadened their focus from protected areas to diverse types of land management to support conservation and climate mitigation. But, developing effective strategies for these issues requires an in‐depth understanding of both the socio‐psychological factors that guide landholders' decision‐making and global trends in land management practices and literature. To assess the trends and status of land management behavior research, we systematically reviewed research published between 2010 and 2020 in five seminal conservation journals. Of 11,607 articles reviewed, we identified 100 articles about land management behavior. We assessed theoretical groundings, measurement methodology, land‐use terminology and practices, ecosystem type, and geographic distribution. We identified strengths and significant gaps and weaknesses across land management research. For example, 52% of articles made no meaningful connection to theory, only 14% of papers used observed behavioral data, 86% of studies uses non‐experimental methods and researchers disproportionately measured land management behavior in developed nations (66%). We also find that language used to describe land management behavior is very heterogeneous, making it difficult to summarize land management research using traditional systematic review methods. Conducting a limited systematic review can help summarize research and also identify trends across disciplines that might otherwise missed. Results from our limited systematic review can guide future research and support the development of evidence‐based policies to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within psychology education, there is a growing focus on undergraduate students' psychological literacy; enabling students earlier in their psychological training to directly apply their learning to their lives and in addressing contemporary societal challenges. This growing focus was a key driver for the creation of the course "Connecting and Working with Nature". This course is a fully online, first-year psychology course that explores the human–nature relationship and sought to grow students' knowledge and skills relating to nature connectedness and well-being while simultaneously supporting the development of their psychological literacy. To evaluate the course in relation to fostering students' psychological literacy across personal, professional and community domains, we utilised a range of data sources including surveys, work samples, and focus groups. The findings generated through our mixed methods analyses support that our students did indeed foster their psychological literacy and draw connections between the content and their own lives, across all three domains. Courses that explore the human–nature relationship are well suited to the early development of psychological literacy. This course provided learning experiences that were tangible for all students, while also being a "safer" domain within which to ask students to begin applying their newfound psychological knowledge and skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human emotions had a significant impact on the survival of our ancestors throughout our evolutionary history. Nowadays, it is possible that our emotions still influence our attitudes in favor or against wildlife conservation. To analyze this hypothesis, we designed a study using eight iconic vertebrate species (two birds, five mammals, and a snake) with different ecological roles, some of which are threatened. The study was directed to 238 inhabitants of communities within El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, Mexico. We built a Conservation Effort factor (CE) based on questions related to participants' attitudes toward the focal species. We analyzed the influence of variables (predictors) through a Sequential Canonical Analysis (SEQCA) using the next sequence: (1) participants' experiences with animals; (2) negative emotions; (3) positive emotions; and (4) CE. The model also considered the influence of sociodemographic variables (age, gender, participation in conservation activity, religion, and region). The model was significant and explained 25% of the variance. Although sociodemographic predictors had an influence on the participants' experiences with the focal species, these variables did not have an effect on the CE. The CE was significantly influenced by positive (happiness) and negative (fear) emotions. Our study revealed the importance of human emotions in conservation management strategies, especially with species such as large carnivores and snakes. We conclude that personality predictors could explain the remaining variance in the model. We propose further studies to examine the role of emotions and other personal predictors in human-wildlife interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has shown that the general population are more likely to learn about certain species groups (such as sharks) from popular media as opposed to their own first-hand experience. Yet, personal encounters with these animals can drastically affect people’s beliefs and behaviors. This study surveyed 380 members of the public to assess their previous experience of encountering sharks and stingrays in the wild as well as at zoos and aquaria, and tested how said experiences influenced their behavioral intentions of tolerance for these particular elasmobranchs. Results indicated that self-reported experience having previously encountered these species groups in the wild was predictive of all assessed behavioral indicators of tolerance for sharks and rays. Self-reported previous encounters with captive animals were predictive of fewer behavioral intentions of tolerance, and only for the tolerance of sharks. Findings reveal the important role that first-hand interaction with these animals plays in humans’ tolerance to coexist and care for these animals and their habitat. Implications for conservation are discussed.

Afforestation has emerged as a major tool in climate mitigation, but plantations of non-native species can negatively affect biodiversity and ecosystem services. Planting indigenous trees in areas that were formerly forested requires an understanding of landscape history over centennial–millennial timescales derived from palaeoecology. Ancient open and mosaic ecosystems are particularly threatened by the global drive for tree planting, which is based on an assumption of degradation. Assumptions that open or mosaic landscapes are remnants of degraded forests is a type of attribution error that can be corrected through an understanding of landscape history. Cultural landscape mosaics can also have benefits in terms of biodiversity and ecosystem services when compared with closed-canopy forests. We propose that testing a null hypothesis regarding former forest cover will assist in correct landscape attribution, guiding reforestation and restoration that reflects landscape history and local context. Mitigating climate change while safeguarding biodiversity and livelihoods is a major challenge. However, rampant afforestation threatens biodiversity and livelihoods, with questionable benefits to carbon storage. The narrative of landscape degradation is often applied without considering the history of the landscape. While some landscapes are undoubtedly deforested, others existed in open or mosaic states before human intervention, or have been deliberately maintained as such. In psychology, a 'fundamental attribution error' is made when characteristics are attributed without consideration of context or circumstances. We apply this concept to landscapes, and then propose a process that avoids attribution errors by testing a null hypothesis regarding past forest extent, using palaeoecology and other long-term data, alongside ecological and stakeholder knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With increasing attention to climate change and biodiversity loss, conservation social science research on land management practices is burgeoning. Researchers have broadened their focus from protected areas to diverse types of land management to support conservation and climate mitigation. But, developing effective strategies for these issues requires an in‐depth understanding of both the socio‐psychological factors that guide landholders' decision‐making and global trends in land management practices and literature. To assess the trends and status of land management behavior research, we systematically reviewed research published between 2010 and 2020 in five seminal conservation journals. Of 11,607 articles reviewed, we identified 100 articles about land management behavior. We assessed theoretical groundings, measurement methodology, land‐use terminology and practices, ecosystem type, and geographic distribution. We identified strengths and significant gaps and weaknesses across land management research. For example, 52% of articles made no meaningful connection to theory, only 14% of papers used observed behavioral data, 86% of studies uses non‐experimental methods and researchers disproportionately measured land management behavior in developed nations (66%). We also find that language used to describe land management behavior is very heterogeneous, making it difficult to summarize land management research using traditional systematic review methods. Conducting a limited systematic review can help summarize research and also identify trends across disciplines that might otherwise missed. Results from our limited systematic review can guide future research and support the development of evidence‐based policies to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss.

The exotic pet trade poses a major threat to biodiversity conservation. To combat biodiversity loss, it is essential to reduce demand for exotic pets and engage people in civic actions for wildlife conservation. Although messaging has been extensively used in conservation practice, little is known about how it can influence attitudes and various types of actions pertaining to the exotic pet trade. This study examined the impact of conservation messaging in the context of exotic pet ownership and wildlife entertainment visitation as common practices of the exotic pet trade. We randomly assigned participants in the United States to one of five messaging conditions: biodiversity loss and animal abuse (M1), zoonotic disease risks (M2), illegality (M3), social disapproval (M4), and neutral biological information as a control condition (M5). We found that all conservation messages (M1–M4) significantly decreased people's favorable attitudes toward the exotic pet trade and their desire to visit wildlife entertainment. However, conservation messaging did not influence the desire for exotic pet ownership or intentions to take civic actions. Our findings highlight the potential of conservation messaging for attitude change and demand reduction for wildlife entertainment, but different approaches are necessary for promoting more effortful actions such as exotic pet ownership and civic actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Communication is a central tool used to manage the balance between outdoor recreation and environmental protection in natural areas. Several studies have evaluated different communication measures in case studies, but rarely are these measures compared across contexts. We review the literature guided by the question: what is the scope of evidence of on-site communication to change human behavior towards a more sustainable direction in outdoor recreation? Taking natural areas as our starting point, we map research-based distribution and abundance of communication measures, with emphasis on their outcomes and study design. Methods The target population for our mapping review are outdoor recreationists and nature-based tourists who visit natural or near-natural settings. We examined studies that have crafted written, oral and visual intervention measures to change behavior by using persuasion, education and information rather than legal restrictions or bans. Examples of challenges addressed with communication measures include proper waste disposal, using designated trails, minimizing wear and tear at campsites, avoid disturbing wildlife, and encouraging appropriate and safe behavior. We did not restrict our search geographically. We searched publication databases for peer-reviewed published articles (WoS, Scopus) and forward and backward citation chasing. To identify grey literature we used the database IRMA and internet searches in Google Scholar supplemented with specialist searches. Inclusion criteria and related search terms were based on PICO and included population (P: people participating in outdoor recreation in natural settings), terms that denoted intervention (I: on-site communication measures in situ vs. C: no communication measures) and terms that denoted outcome (O: changed behavior). We screened first by title and abstract and finally full text. For each article selected for full-text screening, metadata was extracted on key variables of interest such as behavior category, context, targeted population, study design and outcomes. Review findings Overall, we identified 54 studies that were assessed in the review. Our review documents growing academic interest looking at actual behavior change in outdoor recreation. Theory is often subsidiary to attempted behavioral change via communication and different situational aspects, such as targeted visitor populations and environmental context, as well as psychological factors remain underexplored in the literature. The primary communication medium in the reviewed papers is passive use of signs. Awareness raising is the dominant communication mode, but other modes such as emotions, identity, and social norms are common. The geographic distribution of the studies is highly skewed to the United States. Conclusions The amassed studies have an uneven focus on different settings and mediums used to change behavior. Research could benefit from investigating different contexts and the state of the natural environment before and after interventions. We advocate for casting a wider disciplinary net and interest in qualitative investigations to produce data-rich studies of where and how sustainable behavior is encouraged and eventually achieved. Collectively, different disciplinary perspectives are required to understand the aspects that contribute to sustainable, and sustained, behavior change. It is important to distinguish what aspects of behavior change could be generalized across settings, and which purely contextual aspects drive behavior change.

Abstract The exotic pet trade poses a major threat to biodiversity conservation. To combat biodiversity loss, it is essential to reduce demand for exotic pets and engage people in civic actions for wildlife conservation. Although messaging has been extensively used in conservation practice, little is known about how it can influence attitudes and various types of actions pertaining to the exotic pet trade. This study examined the impact of conservation messaging in the context of exotic pet ownership and wildlife entertainment visitation as common practices of the exotic pet trade. We randomly assigned participants in the United States to one of five messaging conditions: biodiversity loss and animal abuse (M1), zoonotic disease risks (M2), illegality (M3), social disapproval (M4), and neutral biological information as a control condition (M5). We found that all conservation messages (M1–M4) significantly decreased people's favorable attitudes toward the exotic pet trade and their desire to visit wildlife entertainment. However, conservation messaging did not influence the desire for exotic pet ownership or intentions to take civic actions. Our findings highlight the potential of conservation messaging for attitude change and demand reduction for wildlife entertainment, but different approaches are necessary for promoting more effortful actions such as exotic pet ownership and civic actions.

Biodiversity conservation work can be challenging but rewarding, and both aspects have potential consequences for conservationists' mental health. Yet, little is known about patterns of mental health among conservationists and its associated workplace protective and risk factors. A better understanding might help improve working conditions, supporting conservationists' job satisfaction, productivity, and engagement, while reducing costs from staff turnover, absenteeism, and presenteeism. We surveyed 2311 conservation professionals working in 122 countries through an internet survey shared via mailing lists, social media, and other channels. We asked them about experiences of psychological distress, working conditions, and personal characteristics. Over half were from and worked in Europe and North America, and most had a university‐level education, were in desk‐based academic and practitioner roles, and responded in English. Heavy workload, job demands, and organizational instability were linked to higher distress, but job stability and satisfaction with one's contributions to conservation were associated with lower distress. Respondents with low dispositional and conservation‐specific optimism, poor physical health, and limited social support, women, and early‐career professionals were most at risk of distress in our sample. Our results flag important risk factors that employers could consider, although further research is needed among groups underrepresented in our sample. Drawing on evidence‐based occupational health interventions, we suggest measures that could promote better working conditions and thus may improve conservationists' mental health and abilities to protect nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primate conservation is a behavioural challenge and as such requires behaviourally informed solutions. We provide a case study, applying social science principles and concepts to address primate conservation challenges. Selamatkan Yaki is a conservation programme focused on the Critically Endangered, Sulawesi crested black macaque (Macaca nigra) in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. A holistic strategy of education, capacity building, and community-based conservation draws upon a blend of insights from multiple social scientific disciplines alongside direct research with communities in the area exploring their cultural histories, behavioural drivers, and relationships with nature. We outline a series of five approaches based on behavioural concepts and describe the benefits, impact, and shortfalls of our methods. We illustrate how the resultant systematic stepwise strategy aims to address some of the key issues of primate conservation management in an innovative way. By incorporating sociopsychological principles and deeper understandings of behavioural science into primate conservation programmes, practitioners may broaden the interpretation, communication, and application of research findings with the potential to maximise the effectiveness of threat reduction campaigns and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communication is a central tool used to manage the balance between outdoor recreation and environmental protection in natural areas. Several studies have evaluated different communication measures in case studies, but rarely are these measures compared across contexts. We review the literature guided by the question: what is the scope of evidence of on-site communication to change human behavior towards a more sustainable direction in outdoor recreation? Taking natural areas as our starting point, we map research-based distribution and abundance of communication measures, with emphasis on their outcomes and study design. Methods: The target population for our mapping review are outdoor recreationists and nature-based tourists who visit natural or near-natural settings. We examined studies that have crafted written, oral and visual intervention measures to change behavior by using persuasion, education and information rather than legal restrictions or bans. Examples of challenges addressed with communication measures include proper waste disposal, using designated trails, minimizing wear and tear at campsites, avoid disturbing wildlife, and encouraging appropriate and safe behavior. We did not restrict our search geographically. We searched publication databases for peer-reviewed published articles (WoS, Scopus) and forward and backward citation chasing. To identify grey literature we used the database IRMA and internet searches in Google Scholar supplemented with specialist searches. Inclusion criteria and related search terms were based on PICO and included population (P: people participating in outdoor recreation in natural settings), terms that denoted intervention (I: on-site communication measures in situ vs. C: no communication measures) and terms that denoted outcome (O: changed behavior). We screened first by title and abstract and finally full text. For each article selected for full-text screening, metadata was extracted on key variables of interest such as behavior category, context, targeted population, study design and outcomes. Review findings: Overall, we identified 54 studies that were assessed in the review. Our review documents growing academic interest looking at actual behavior change in outdoor recreation. Theory is often subsidiary to attempted behavioral change via communication and different situational aspects, such as targeted visitor populations and environmental context, as well as psychological factors remain underexplored in the literature. The primary communication medium in the reviewed papers is passive use of signs. Awareness raising is the dominant communication mode, but other modes such as emotions, identity, and social norms are common. The geographic distribution of the studies is highly skewed to the United States. Conclusions: The amassed studies have an uneven focus on different settings and mediums used to change behavior. Research could benefit from investigating different contexts and the state of the natural environment before and after interventions. We advocate for casting a wider disciplinary net and interest in qualitative investigations to produce data-rich studies of where and how sustainable behavior is encouraged and eventually achieved. Collectively, different disciplinary perspectives are required to understand the aspects that contribute to sustainable, and sustained, behavior change. It is important to distinguish what aspects of behavior change could be generalized across settings, and which purely contextual aspects drive behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connection with nature has been associated with greater participation in a range of biodiversity conservation behaviours, and is increasingly being recognised as a potentially useful policy tool to address conservation outcomes. Yet, understanding of how connection with nature may be nurtured remains poorly understood. This research investigates the extent to which spending time in nature, and in different types of nature, predicted change in connection with nature (captured by the CN-12) over a 12-month period. Data were from a representative sample (based on age, gender, and metropolitan/regional residence) of the adult population in the state of Victoria, Australia, collected via an online survey. Results of analyses of variance and paired-samples t-tests suggested spending time in nature at least monthly was associated with higher connection with nature scores. Results from multiple linear regression and mediation analyses suggested that more time spent in nature (generally), and more time spent in protected areas, waterways, and urban parks (specifically), predicted small increases in connection with nature. These findings suggest that policies that encourage spending more time in nature, including in protected areas, waterways, and urban parks, could be useful for increasing connection with nature and, in turn, addressing biodiversity conservation outcomes. The findings of this research should be of interest to policymakers interested in addressing biodiversity conservation issues.

Plastic waste is one of the most notorious of all environmental issues – and also a hard problem to solve. From marine conservationists to engineers, many people have addressed the problem by tapping into technological solutions or attempting to raise public awareness, yet there are only limited examples of behavioural explanations for why people continue to litter in public places such as waterways. In this research, we examine the impact of settlement location (source, transition and floodplain zone) and perceived difficulties in getting the necessary resources. Focusing on river basins in Bali and East Java, we will also assess people's willingness to contribute resources in a Public Good Game, as a hypothetical reflection of their shares in community's greater good. We found that people living upstream contributed more to public good, but failed to correlate the effect of perceived difficulties in gaining resources to their contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplaces can be sources of both stress and support, affecting employees' mental health and productivity. Yet, little research has investigated variability in workplace risk factors for poor mental health in conservation. We aimed to explore how patterns of psychological distress—a state of emotional disturbance—and associated workplace risk factors vary between conservation job roles. Working with three case study organizations in India, South Africa, and Cambodia, we surveyed 280 field‐based, office‐based, and research staff. Moderate or severe psychological distress was reported by 28.9%. Field‐based practitioners reported a greater imbalance between workplace efforts and rewards (0.35 standard deviation (SD), 95% credibility interval (CI) 0.03–0.67) than their colleagues, which was associated with greater psychological distress (0.24 SD, 95% CI 0.10–0.39). After controlling for this mediated relationship, researchers reported greater psychological distress than field‐based practitioners (0.37 SD, 95% CI 0.02–0.72). However, when accounting for all direct and indirect effects, there was no overall difference in distress between roles. Employers, funders, professional societies, and other institutions seeking to support conservationists' mental health should understand and offer support tailored to role‐specific challenges. Doing so might enhance conservationists' wellbeing while strengthening their ability to reverse global nature loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss and degradation of nature can lead to hopelessness and despair, which may undermine engagement in conservation actions. Emerging movements, such as that behind the organization Conservation Optimism, aim to avert potential despair of those involved in conservation. Some argue that fostering positive states, such as hope or optimism, can motivate engagement and action; however, others question whether fostering hope or optimism may inadvertently undermine perceived gravity of conservation challenges. We examined this issue by quantifying dispositional hope and optimism with a representative sample of Australians (n = 4285) and assessing their relationship with indicators of conservation engagement. We used the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in Australia as a case study. We asked participants what they could do to help the GBR, then classified their responses into 2 outcome variables: identifying climate actions (i.e., actions that tackle the main threat to the reef) and identifying plastic actions (i.e., actions that are popular among community members). We also quantified likelihood of performing these actions and appraisals of both threats and actions. One dimension of hope, hope pathways (defined by Snyder's hope theory as knowing different ways to act), was associated with greater capacity to identify climate‐related behaviors (odds ratio [OR] = 1.44) and plastic reduction behaviors (OR = 1.22) and greater likelihood of adopting climate‐related actions (β = 0.20). Optimism was associated with recognition of plastic reduction behaviors only (OR = 1.22). Neither hope nor optimism undermined appraisal of conservation threats. The effects of optimism were mediated by reduced action futility, and effects of hope pathways were mediated by stronger perceptions of threats to the reef (threat appraisal) and confidence in performing useful actions (coping appraisal). Our findings suggest that dispositional hope can strengthen, rather than undermine, appraisal of conservation challenges and solutions and thereby increase conservation engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We attempt to bridge the value – action paradox inhibiting environmental action by drawing upon work cast within conservation psychology to identify mechanisms by which the processes driving action can be shaped to achieve more sustainable outcomes. The shift toward a more mutualistic orientation with nature suggests the possibility of increasing success of treatments aimed at manipulating the endogenous psychological process (i.e., attitudes, knowledge, efficacy, norms) stemming from value orientation. While empirical evidence illustrates that values can be slow to change, the psychological processes situated higher within the cognitive hierarchy are more susceptible to manipulation. The need for behavioral change is imminent. While developed societies have, for the most part, modernized to the extent basic human needs are amply satisfied, the economic development that has accompanied modernization has coupled economic growth with an unsustainable consumption of natural resources and rising emissions. An increasing number of researchers and activists have called for a transition to a global steady-state economy. We suggest that shifting societal values present an opportunity for modern society to capitalize on humans’ increasing empathy for the natural world and to act in more sustainable ways. Research illustrates that those expressing a stronger affinity toward nature (e.g., mutualists) are more inclined to agree with statements suggesting that environmental protection should be prioritized over economic growth and that climate change is primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels. Unfortunately, as it presently stands, those most inclined to express this sentiment (i.e., those reporting higher incomes, more years of formal education, and residing in urbanized environments) are also more likely to act in ways that contribute to climate change (e.g., car usage, air travel, household energy use). It is a troubling paradox given they have greater capacity for reducing their ecological footprint. With human values shifting toward a more empathetic orientation toward nature, our review implies that now more than ever, efforts to manipulate elements of the cognitive hierarchy are likely to result in behavioral change that can minimize many anthropogenic drivers of climate change.

Abstract Workplaces can be sources of both stress and support, affecting employees' mental health and productivity. Yet, little research has investigated variability in workplace risk factors for poor mental health in conservation. We aimed to explore how patterns of psychological distress—a state of emotional disturbance—and associated workplace risk factors vary between conservation job roles. Working with three case study organizations in India, South Africa, and Cambodia, we surveyed 280 field‐based, office‐based, and research staff. Moderate or severe psychological distress was reported by 28.9%. Field‐based practitioners reported a greater imbalance between workplace efforts and rewards (0.35 standard deviation (SD), 95% credibility interval (CI) 0.03–0.67) than their colleagues, which was associated with greater psychological distress (0.24 SD, 95% CI 0.10–0.39). After controlling for this mediated relationship, researchers reported greater psychological distress than field‐based practitioners (0.37 SD, 95% CI 0.02–0.72). However, when accounting for all direct and indirect effects, there was no overall difference in distress between roles. Employers, funders, professional societies, and other institutions seeking to support conservationists' mental health should understand and offer support tailored to role‐specific challenges. Doing so might enhance conservationists' wellbeing while strengthening their ability to reverse global nature loss.

Though "iconic species" are mentioned throughout the environmental discourse, this concept is seldom operationalized in conservation research. This study proposes the Iconic Species Scale (ISS) to assess perceptions of iconic characters and the value of species. The ISS was developed and tested across two species (sea turtles/live oaks) and two participant types (residents/tourists) (N = 457) to assess scale reliability and validity. Following scale development approaches, the ISS was refined and verified through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Statistical measures confirmed a two-factor structure and measurement equality across the case species and participant groups. While further testing across cultural and species contexts is recommended, the ISS is presented as a reliable and valid scale to gauge the iconicity of species across various stakeholders. As certain species are often the face of conservation efforts, iconic species are a particularly important aspect of stakeholder support and paramount to building political support for environmental management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity generally, and freshwater ecosystems specifically, are in decline on a global scale. Human behaviour underlies many threats to waterway health, and decision-makers are increasingly recognising the importance of involving community members in waterway conservation efforts. This research utilised an evidence-based protocol to identify and prioritise behaviours that community members could do to protect and enhance waterways in and around Melbourne, Australia. We identified 31 behaviours that are likely to have the most significant impact on waterway health, and prioritised these behaviours according to current uptake and likelihood of adoption (based on perceived mental effort, financial cost, and time cost). Results highlighted behaviours to target as a first priority – those with high impact / high likelihood / low current uptake – such as reporting pollution, construction site sediment, or stormwater waste to the relevant authority, as well as picking up litter. High priority behaviours that may require more targeted support to encourage adoption – those with high impact / low likelihood / low current uptake – include environmental volunteering, (landholders) installing watering stations in paddocks, and using environmentally friendly cleaning and garden products. Additional research is needed to understand key influences – drivers and barriers – for each behaviour. The findings can usefully inform policies and programs to encourage community participation in waterway conservation behaviours. • Freshwater ecosystems are in decline on a global scale. • Human behaviour underlies many threats to waterway health. • Community members can play an important role in improving waterway health. • We identified and prioritised community behaviours to protect and enhance waterways. • Findings can inform policies and programs to improve waterway health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful conservation outcomes often depend on changing human behaviours that negatively impact biodiversity, such as unsustainable wildlife harvesting or illegal wildlife trade (IWT). However, inclusive psychology models that examine motivations of those behaviours have been underutilised in IWT contexts. This research examines the drivers of illegal harvesting and consumption of sea turtles on Maio, Cabo Verde (West Africa), by adapting data from interviews (n=20) and questionnaires (n=325) into the Comprehensive Action Determination Model, an environmental psychology theoretical framework. Initial findings suggest local behavioural motivations have changed over time, but key beliefs remained intact. Structural equation modelling showed intention to consume turtles is influenced by positive attitudes towards consumption, but interviews suggest normative personal and social beliefs are becoming relevant to consumptive behaviour mitigation. The same seems true of harvesting, reportedly performed mostly by young men looking to sell turtle by-products. Overall, results indicate the beliefs underlying harvest and consumption behaviours are distinct, such that outreach initiatives must be designed to address each. Results demonstrate how conceptual models developed in underutilised disciplines can be adapted to expand the transdisciplinary tools available to conservation practitioners. Embracing behaviour-focused approaches is crucial to address the intricate cultural and contextual factors of IWT. Abstract in Portuguese: https://bit.ly/3Aj9xuu

Connection with nature has been associated with greater participation in a range of biodiversity conservation behaviours, and is increasingly being recognised as a potentially useful policy tool to address conservation outcomes. Yet, understanding of how connection with nature may be nurtured remains poorly understood. This research investigates the extent to which spending time in nature, and in different types of nature, predicted change in connection with nature (captured by the CN-12) over a 12-month period. Data were from a representative sample (based on age, gender, and metropolitan/regional residence) of the adult population in the state of Victoria, Australia, collected via an online survey. Results of analyses of variance and paired-samples t-tests suggested spending time in nature at least monthly was associated with higher connection with nature scores. Results from multiple linear regression and mediation analyses suggested that more time spent in nature (generally), and more time spent in protected areas, waterways, and urban parks (specifically), predicted small increases in connection with nature. These findings suggest that policies that encourage spending more time in nature, including in protected areas, waterways, and urban parks, could be useful for increasing connection with nature and, in turn, addressing biodiversity conservation outcomes. The findings of this research should be of interest to policymakers interested in addressing biodiversity conservation issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pro-environmental behavior (PEB) can help facilitate sustainable development, and PEB intervention strategies are developed to guarantee PEB effects. However, in most cases PEB intervention is attached less importance than environmental education. There is no specific programming for PEB intervention, and a full-cycle framework for planning and design that includes site operation and maintenance stages is still absent. Based on literature review and the authors' experience on environment education activities, this article summarizes the PEB intervention strategies applicable to landscape planning and design, and comes up with a planning and design framework for environmental education sites, which consists of stages of site investigation, PEB intervention planning, development of design briefs, facility planning and design, maintenance and management programming, post-occupancy evaluation, and adjustment. The framework would provide guidance for the landscape planners and designers to improve PEB intervention effects, and offer new insights and tools for site operators and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human relationships with nature are increasingly being recognized as an important factor in environmental conservation. Understanding how people perceive and know nature, and the language they use to describe nature, their concepts of nature, could have important implications for conservation policy and management. This empirical research sought to examine and categorize concepts of nature, and explore how such thoughts relate to connection with nature and conservation behaviors. Multidimensional scaling revealed three concepts of nature categories: descriptive (e.g., plants, animals, landscapes), normative (e.g., conservation, balance, life), and experiential (e.g., activities in nature, positive emotions, aesthetic qualities), plus a complex category (two or more of the descriptive, normative, or experiential categories). Connection with nature scores (total and dimensions) were higher among participants who described nature in experiential or complex terms than those who described nature in descriptive terms. Participants who described nature in experiential terms were more likely to have participated in environmental volunteering, citizen science, picking up litter, and community gardening in the past year than those who used descriptive terms. Concepts of nature moderated the relationship between the connection with nature and picking up litter. These results may usefully inform conservation policies and campaigns intended to increase connection with nature and participation in conservation behaviors, through the use of language emphasizing experiential and more complex concepts of nature, by encouraging personal reflection on one's experiences of nature, and through the design of natural spaces that encourage active engagement with nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of environmental professionals are realizing that equitable and meaningful engagement of local community members in the development of programming is essential for catalyzing the durable, long‐term action needed to conserve wildlife. Many who attempt to codesign programs with (not for) communities find that choosing the most effective strategies to accomplish this task is crucial and can oftentimes feel daunting. In this paper, a validated psychometric instrument called the Five Factors of Sustained Engagement (Five Factors) was used to analyze community engagement projects from two AZA‐accredited institutions, highlighting how the leaders of each project believe they have fostered each factor in their projects. Professionals can use the Five Factors as guideposts and evaluation criteria to increase the long‐term motivation of community members to engage in conservation efforts over time. The discussion offers strategies that psychological research has shown to increase long‐term motivation for wildlife conservation and suggest how to implement them in the codesign of conservation programming with the communities that are impacted by it the most. Together, this synthesis offers an innovative, psychology‐based approach to fostering and evaluating the success of sustainable community engagement for conservation Wildlife conservation projects are rarely su long‐term engagement from the humans who are most impacted by those projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation Psychology created a dialog between environmental conservation and behavioral sciences. With an outsized influence by Dr. Carol Saunders, it started at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago exploring questions about the impacts of a zoo visit, and particularly how human behavior influences environmental outcomes for our planet. Here we explore how Conservation Psychology influenced the development of programs, exhibits and communities of practice at Brookfield Zoo and elsewhere in the zoo and aquarium world, and how eventually these applications changed the way modern zoos and aquariums operate. We present testimonials and review a handful of examples in which Conservation Psychology led to tangible programs, practices and wide professional networks at zoos and aquariums. These include an exploration of the future of zoos with George Rabb, followed by the legacy of nature play and the groundbreaking Hamill Family Play Zoo. Furthermore, we discuss how visitor studies at zoos and aquariums were influenced by Conservation Psychology, including the development of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Social Science Research and Evaluation Scientific Advisory Group and two climate change education networks. We end with the development of tools, practices, and professional networks to explore empathy for animals. Most of these programs were envisioned or facilitated by Dr. Saunders, who was always a role model with an impact and a legacy that lives on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary opportunities for improved conservation and sustainability outcomes are through changing human behavior. Zoos, aquariums, and other public‐facing biodiversity conservation institutions offer an important space for environmental learning and facilitating proenvironmental behavior change. We have focused, in this review, on examining common behavior change models as well as the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Behavior Change​​​​​, a widely regarded model within the health fields and, recently, in the fields of environmental and leadership studies, with new research applying the TTM specifically in a zoo setting. We have discussed critiques of the TTM and rebuttals to those critiques. We have presented examples of TTM applications in a zoo setting. Our objective has been to explore the TTM as a possible "best fit" framework and tool for zoo and aquarium practitioners in facilitating proenvironmental behavior. Key findings include that (a) the TTM differs significantly from other proenvironmental behavior theoretical models, including those that are prevalent in the conservation psychology literature and applied by zoos and aquariums, in terms of the TTM stages of change and processes of change constructs; (b) the TTM appears to overlap significantly with the 10 interventions or treatments identified by researchers as the most effective approaches to facilitating proenvironmental behavior; and (c) there is nascent and promising application of TTM constructs in zoo and aquarium programming. We remain impressed by the potential of the TTM to address a critical question within the conservation psychology research field concerning proenvironmental behavior: what specific tools to employ and when. Highlights: The rigorously evidence‐based Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Behavior Change may offer a "best fit" framework/tool in facilitating proenvironmental behavior. TTM‐based examples of zoo programming to facilitate conservation behaviors are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging conservation psychology literature shows that there is a strong link between positive attachment to a workplace and the performance of pro‐environmental behaviors by employees at work. The present study explores the validity of a pilot survey based in previous literature that explores these constructs to determine whether a relationship between the two exists among zoo and aquarium professionals. The survey was distributed to employees of the Wildlife Conservation Society's city zoos—Prospect Park, Central Park, and Queens Zoos—during the first year of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. Two of the survey scales used had a high internal consistency and data from these responses informed this case study to show that there is a weak, positive correlation between workplace attachment (WPA) and self‐reported frequency of performance of pro‐environmental behaviors (PEBs) among the respondents. Isolating the responses by department revealed that staff working in Operations departments (1) exhibit lower frequencies of PEB than those in Education and Animal departments and (2) have a very strong, positive correlation between WPA and PEB. The results suggest that zoo and aquarium employees who are positively attached to their workplace are more likely to perform PEBs, especially those working in Operations departments. These findings help support that workplace practices seeking to increase WPA could increase the performance of PEBs at work by all employees. Research Highlights: A validated pilot survey of zoo employees showed a weak, positive correlation between workplace attachment (WPA) and pro‐environmental behavior (PEB) at work. Operations staff showed a stronger correlation between WPA and PEB and reported lower frequencies of PEB than other departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empathy towards animals is a known influential factor in the likelihood for individuals to engage in conservation behavior, so it is of significant interest that the zoo community considers how to evoke constructive empathetic responses in their guests. To date, much of the research that has been conducted on empathy in zoos has focused on live animals, but are we overlooking a potential instrument of empathy‐building? Based on observations made during an evaluation of guest interactions with a bronze animal statue, this paper will explore the potential for static, lifelike animal statues to serve as conduits for empathy‐building and make a strong argument for the much needed research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and biodiversity loss are serious concerns for environmental researchers and conservationists. However, the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss disproportionately affects low-income communities, indigenous groups, and people of colour. Conservation initiatives, however, sometimes perpetuate historical injustices of marginalised people. We argue that environmental justice may be effectively merged with conservation psychology to promote a just conservation psychology. We discuss a case study of a South African community impacted by conservation-related environmental injustices under apartheid. We discuss the role of capacity building in a community-based conservation initiative that promotes justice, human wellbeing, and conservation goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Conservationists often assume that connection with and caring about nature's well‐being is strongly linked to ecological knowledge. Existing evidence on the link between ecological knowledge and psychological nature connection is mixed, geographically limited to countries in the Global North, and does not scrutinise potential differences in determinants of ecological knowledge and nature connection. We investigate the relationship between psychological nature connection and ecological knowledge of local bird species, and assess their associations with potential drivers, including access to, contact with, and reliance on nature and socio‐demographic characteristics. Our study is carried among a novel participant population of colonist farmers living along a major deforestation frontier in the Brazilian Amazon. Our study context has high conservation relevance and provides an ideal setting to assess the extent to which conservation psychology's insights from the Global North hold true elsewhere. Tropical farm‐forest frontiers suffer from intense habitat and biodiversity loss, and farmers with migrant origins are important yet rarely studied conservation stakeholders. Importantly, farmers' experiences of nature are likely to vary considerably due to the wide range of socio‐demographic, economic, geographical and cultural diversity. Interviewees scored highly on two indices of nature connection, but scores were higher among older people and those with greater contact with nature. Bird identification knowledge was generally low to moderate, and higher among men and younger people. Species more frequently recognised were regionally common, larger‐bodied or associated with non‐forest habitats. Ecological knowledge of birds and nature connection were not correlated, and they did not have any predictors in common. Our results indicate that colonist farmers are capable of forming strong connections with nature, even if they rarely possess detailed knowledge of local forest biodiversity. Considering the complex and apparently context‐dependent relationship between knowing and caring about nature, it is unwise to assume that changing one would automatically affect the other. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Responses to nature conservation challenges should incorporate transdisciplinary approaches, and there is growing research interest in behaviour change insights and interventions. However, there are knowledge gaps relating to promotion of conservation behaviours and how broader systems shape intervention effectiveness. This further compounds situations where practitioners implementing conservation programs may be ill-equipped to develop and implement behaviour change interventions. Our researcher-practitioner collaboration focuses on conservation policy in Victoria, Australia, with a specific focus on human relationships with nature. Drawing from this perspective, we outline how conservation behaviour change can be meaningfully integrated into policy and programs. Specifically, we detail how to embed research and systems-thinking approaches within program implementation to achieve conservation objectives and address knowledge gaps pertaining to behavioural science for nature, focusing on engaging communities. We articulate key themes and steps that are needed for transdisciplinary research to be impactful for conservation outcomes, including establishing a decision framework with clear objectives and a monitoring protocol. In implementing programs and research associated with our policy context, we have identified research gaps including several socio-psychological questions important to developing effective behaviour change interventions, as well as the need to identify pathways from incremental to transformative system change. In considering both research gaps and policy implementation, we outline ideas for how behavioural science can be undertaken in a way that is sympathetic to the systems in which they occur. As part of this, we examine how transdisciplinary collaboration can realise desired changes to biodiversity through a behavioural approach. • Researcher-practitioner collaboration can support evidence-based design of behaviour change interventions for conservation • Embedding research in implementation can generate behavioural science evidence • Partnering with government can enable systems-thinking to identify leverage points and scale up to transformative change [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goals play important roles in people's lives because they focus attention, mobilize effort, and sustain motivation. Understanding conservationists' satisfaction with goal progress may provide insights into real‐world environmental trends and flag risks to their well‐being and motivation. We asked 2694 conservationists working globally how satisfied they were with progress toward goals important to them. We then explored how this satisfaction varied among groups, including demographic and occupational. Finally, we looked at respondents' experiences associated with goal‐progress satisfaction. Many (94.0%) indicated that making a meaningful contribution to conservation was an important goal for them, and over half were satisfied or very satisfied in this area (52.5%). However, respondents were generally dissatisfied with progress on collective conservation goals (e.g., stopping species loss). Some groups were more likely to report dissatisfaction than others. For instance, those in conservation for longer tended to be less satisfied with collective goal progress (log odds –0.21, 95% credibility interval [CI] –0.32 to –0.10), but practitioners reported greater satisfaction (log odds 0.38, 95% CI 0.15–0.60). Likewise, those who were more optimistic in life (log odds 0.24, 95% CI 0.17–0.32), male (log odds 0.25, 95% CI 0.10–0.41), and working in conservation practice (log odds 0.25, 95% CI 0.08–0.43) reported greater satisfaction with individual goal progress. Free‐text responses suggested widespread dissatisfaction with livelihood goals, particularly related to job security and adequate compensation. Although contributing to conservation appeared to be a source of satisfaction, slow goal progress in other areas––particularly around making a living––looked to be a source of distress and demotivation. Employers, funders, professional societies, and others should consider ways to help those in the sector make a difference while making a satisfactory living by, for example, prioritizing conservationists′ well‐being when allocating funding. This support could include avoiding exploitative practices, fostering supportive work environments, and celebrating positive outcomes. Article impact statement: Employers and funders should prioritize conservationists' well‐being, helping them make a difference while making a living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity loss is driven by human behavior, but there is uncertainty about the effectiveness of behavior‐change programs in delivering benefits to biodiversity. To demonstrate their value, the biodiversity benefits and cost‐effectiveness of behavior changes that directly or indirectly affect biodiversity need to be quantified. We adapted a structured decision‐making prioritization tool to determine the potential biodiversity benefits of behavior changes. As a case study, we examined two hypothetical behavior‐change programs––wildlife gardening and cat containment––by asking experts to consider the behaviors associated with these programs that directly and indirectly affect biodiversity. We assessed benefits to southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) and superb fairy‐wren (Malurus cyaneus) by eliciting from experts estimates of the probability of each species persisting in the landscape given a range of behavior‐change scenarios in which uptake of the behaviors varied. We then compared these estimates to a business‐as‐usual scenario to determine the relative biodiversity benefit and cost‐effectiveness of each scenario. Experts projected that the behavior‐change programs would benefit biodiversity and that benefits would rise with increasing uptake of the target behaviors. Biodiversity benefits were also predicted to accrue through indirect behaviors, although experts disagreed about the magnitude of additional benefit provided. Scenarios that combined the two behavior‐change programs were estimated to provide the greatest benefits to species and be most cost‐effective. Our method could be used in other contexts and potentially at different scales and advances the use of prioritization tools to guide conservation behavior‐change programs. Article impact statement: Structured decision‐making shows human behavior‐change interventions' potential impact on biodiversity and relative cost‐effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social influence impacts individuals' behavior through norms – the perceived appropriateness of behaviors – and social referents, whose behavior is copied by others. Interventions using social influence may help promote conservation-friendly behaviors. We explored how perceptions are influenced by descriptive norms (what people do) and social referents (who does it) in relation to livestock management in Kenya. By presenting participants with vignettes describing different livestock management scenarios, we explored how two norms ('high' vs. 'low' standards of livestock management) and three social referents ('neighbor,' 'leader,' 'father') influence participants' perceptions of aspects of livestock management. More senior social referents and 'high' standard norms were associated with greater impact on perceived importance of livestock management behaviors. Age also had an effect, with higher perceived importance and greater effect of norm treatment in younger respondents. Encouraging social seniors to model desired behavior may be a possible strategy for conservation behavioral interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planet Earth is undergoing unprecedented levels of environmental degradation and destruction at a global scale. Incentivizing people to adopt behaviors that are compatible with a sustainable future will help address the current ecological crisis. However, it is first necessary to understand the psychological drivers of pro-environmental behavior. Here, we examined whether greater levels of environmental knowledge and empathy predicted higher levels of pro-environmental behavior in an Australian population sample. We aimed to advance our understanding of the psychological variables that motivate people to act in pro-environmental ways, while also advancing the ongoing debate amongst conservation scientists regarding the relative importance of fostering empathy. Correlational analyses revealed that objective, verifiable knowledge was a strong predictor of pro-environmental attitudes and behavior. Empathy also correlated positively with pro-environmental attitudes and behavior, but with a dissociation with respect to its cognitive and affective components. Multivariate analyses revealed that knowledge was a stronger predictor of both pro-environmental attitudes and behavior after controlling for individual variation in cognitive and affective empathy. This finding casts doubt on the claim by compassionate conservationists that fostering empathy is the key to solving the current environmental conservation crisis. Future research should aim to extend the present findings by testing whether a more exhaustive test of participants' environmental knowledge and other measures of empathy, including empathic competencies and the recently developed Emotional and Cognitive Scale of the Human–Nature Relationship (ECS-HNR), yield the same dominance of knowledge over empathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been asserted that to overcome nature degradation, environmental managers need to understand the ways in which people view themselves in relation to nature as this influences their beliefs and actions toward nature. To examine this assertion, this study explored how 960 subjects in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand reported themselves in relation to nature, and whether the way in which they viewed themselves in relation to nature influenced their pro-nature beliefs. Results suggested that most respondents perceive some degree of connectedness with nature despite viewing a distinction between themselves and nature. Results further indicate that respondents who perceived complete interconnectedness with nature were more likely to hold pro-nature beliefs. Conversely, respondents who perceived complete separation between self and nature were less likely to hold pro-nature beliefs. The findings suggest that positive environmental management outcomes may be more achievable if environmental managers focus on increasing individuals' feelings of interconnectedness with nature to prompt and/or enhance pro-nature beliefs. The study calls attention to the merit of deployment of psychological scales in environmental management contexts, which are currently lacking, to understand the divergent ways in which people relate to nature to contribute to more effective environmental management programmes and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of unprecedented biodiversity loss, the belief that conservation goals can be met could play an important role in ensuring they are fulfilled. We asked conservationists how optimistic they felt about key biodiversity outcomes over the next 10 years; 2341 people familiar with conservation in 144 countries responded. Respondents expressed optimism that enabling conditions for conservation would improve but felt pressures would continue, and the state of biodiversity was unlikely to get better. Respondents with greater general optimism about life, at early‐career stages, and working in practice and policy (compared to academia) reported higher conservation optimism. But most of our biodiversity and conservation status indicators were not associated with conservation optimism. Unbounded optimism without appropriate action would be misguided in the face of growing threats to biodiversity. However, supporting those struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel could help sustain efforts to overcome these threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attitudes, which can be thought of as the sum of individuals' thoughts, feelings, and beliefs concerning an attitude object, inform how people interact with the world around them. An understanding of attitudes may play an important role in promoting desirable human behavior, and attitudes studies should be incorporated into any behavior‐change intervention. One framework for understanding attitudes is the ABC, or "tripartite" model, which says that affect ("A," i.e., emotional response); previous behavior ("B"); and cognition ("C," i.e., beliefs) are the basis for an individual's attitude. Although this framework is widely used in social psychology, few conservation studies break down the "attitude" monolith into these more usable components. In this study, we sought apply the ABC framework to understand how affect and cognitive beliefs relate to overall attitude toward predators across southern Kenya and north‐west Zimbabwe. We used a factor analysis approach to identify latent affective (n = 3) and cognitive (n = 3) factors relating to human–predator interactions. These factors were then used to construct a regression model, which examined the power of the psychological factors to explain overall attitudes toward predators. We found that the model explained 27% of variation in attitudes, with four independently significant factors: location; perceived harms of living with predators; perceived benefits of killing predators; and positive affect. Although effect sizes were relatively small, these results suggest that cognitive beliefs may substantially influence attitudes, and therefore that interventions which seek to (a) remove the factual basis for negative beliefs and (b) improve perceptions or dispel unfounded beliefs may play a significant role in changing overall attitudes toward predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals from urban areas are regularly brought into wildlife rehabilitation centers, providing untapped potential data records to inform management of wildlife species. Although rescues may be considered a wildlife stewardship behavior, not all 'rescues' may be warranted. Some animals are more likely to be brought into a rescue center than others, suggesting that human drivers underlying wildlife rehabilitation efforts are important to understand for urban conservation efforts. Literature has primarily focused on understanding the ecological drivers and implications of wildlife rescues. Our study is the first to investigate both the social and ecological drivers of bird rescues using census, household survey, and intake data. In Phoenix metropolitan area, Arizona, USA in 2017–2018, we found doves and common species were sent to the center most often. Altricial species (helpless at hatching) and young birds were more likely to be brought to the center, perhaps due to perceptions of young animals as vulnerable. We found rescues came from neighborhoods with higher incomes and residents with pro-ecological worldviews, perhaps reflecting a perceived responsibility for wildlife. Conversely, few rescues came from neighborhoods with a high percentage of Hispanic/Latinx residents, who often feel more interdependent with nature. Neighborhoods with greater numbers of rescues were more likely to have residents participating in yard stewardship activities as compared to neighborhoods with fewer rescues. Our findings are relevant to understanding drivers of wildlife stewardship actions and for intake centers who wish to reduce the occurrence of people bringing in wildlife that do not need to be rescued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Fostering widespread concern for conservation problems requires a robust understanding of the life experiences that positively contribute to an individual's conservation attitudes and behaviours. However, few studies have assessed a comprehensive range of social and experiential predictors of conservation concern. Using survey responses from 391 undergraduate students enrolled in various course disciplines across Australia, we describe the relationships between five major constructs of early‐life experiences and two measures of conservation concern: a preference for a conservation career and positive conservation attitudes. We find that conservation career preferences are positively associated with childhood preferences for nature‐related books, movies and school subjects, biospheric family value orientations and environmental volunteering. Conservation attitudes were positively associated with biospheric family value orientations and environmental volunteering. Both constructs were negatively associated with egoistic family values and childhood experiences of nature were not a significant factor in either of our models. This suggests that limited nature experiences do not necessarily impede the development of conservation concern in young Australians, and that family values and experiences with environmental organizations, nature‐related storylines and school subjects may help to foster greater conservation concern. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Abstract The functional trait diversity of species assemblages can predict the provision of ecosystem services such as pollination and carbon sequestration, but it is unclear whether the same trait‐based framework can be applied to identify the factors that underpin cultural ecosystem services and disservices. To explore the relationship between traits and the contribution of species to cultural ecosystem services and disservices, we conducted 404 questionnaire surveys with birdwatchers and local residents in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We used an information–theoretic approach to identify which of 20 functional traits for 199 Costa Rican bird species best predicted their cultural ecosystem service scores related to birdwatching, acoustic aesthetics, education and local identity, as well as disservices (e.g. harm to crops). We found that diet was the most important variable explaining perceptions of cultural ecosystem service and disservice providers. Aesthetic traits such as plumage colour and pattern were important in explaining birdwatching scores. We also found people have a high affinity for forest‐affiliated birds. The insight that functional traits can explain variation among cultural perspectives on values derived from birds offers a first step towards a trait‐based system for understanding the species attributes that underpin cultural ecosystem services and disservices.

Abstract In the face of unprecedented biodiversity loss, the belief that conservation goals can be met could play an important role in ensuring they are fulfilled. We asked conservationists how optimistic they felt about key biodiversity outcomes over the next 10 years; 2341 people familiar with conservation in 144 countries responded. Respondents expressed optimism that enabling conditions for conservation would improve but felt pressures would continue, and the state of biodiversity was unlikely to get better. Respondents with greater general optimism about life, at early‐career stages, and working in practice and policy (compared to academia) reported higher conservation optimism. But most of our biodiversity and conservation status indicators were not associated with conservation optimism. Unbounded optimism without appropriate action would be misguided in the face of growing threats to biodiversity. However, supporting those struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel could help sustain efforts to overcome these threats.

Abstract Attitudes, which can be thought of as the sum of individuals' thoughts, feelings, and beliefs concerning an attitude object, inform how people interact with the world around them. An understanding of attitudes may play an important role in promoting desirable human behavior, and attitudes studies should be incorporated into any behavior‐change intervention. One framework for understanding attitudes is the ABC, or “tripartite” model, which says that affect (“A,” i.e., emotional response); previous behavior (“B”); and cognition (“C,” i.e., beliefs) are the basis for an individual's attitude. Although this framework is widely used in social psychology, few conservation studies break down the “attitude” monolith into these more usable components. In this study, we sought apply the ABC framework to understand how affect and cognitive beliefs relate to overall attitude toward predators across southern Kenya and north‐west Zimbabwe. We used a factor analysis approach to identify latent affective (n = 3) and cognitive (n = 3) factors relating to human–predator interactions. These factors were then used to construct a regression model, which examined the power of the psychological factors to explain overall attitudes toward predators. We found that the model explained 27% of variation in attitudes, with four independently significant factors: location; perceived harms of living with predators; perceived benefits of killing predators; and positive affect. Although effect sizes were relatively small, these results suggest that cognitive beliefs may substantially influence attitudes, and therefore that interventions which seek to (a) remove the factual basis for negative beliefs and (b) improve perceptions or dispel unfounded beliefs may play a significant role in changing overall attitudes toward predators.

Research on the nonmaterial aspects of human-nature connections has grown steadily in recent years, yet efforts to understand nonmaterial connections between individuals and nature confront myriad challenges. We describe a set of three assumptions inherent in research on human-nature connections: (1) that the conceptions researchers are measuring exist inside a person's head; (2) that individuals can express these conceptions (in words or otherwise); and (3) that individuals express these conceptions honestly when asked by researchers. We frame each of these assumptions as challenges, then offer suggestions for addressing each. We have found this three-part framework helpful in designing research into these difficult-to-describe connections, and we provide examples of how these assumptions and responses to them have influenced and appeared in various research traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conundrum of wildlife tourism is balancing wildlife conservation and tourist satisfaction. Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei) are a flagship species for biodiversity and there is worldwide interest in gorilla trekking safaris. This tourism provides substantial revenue to the government and local communities for gorilla protection, but puts them in danger of zoonotic diseases. To minimize disease transmission, health guidelines are in place for visitors whereby they are asked to remain 7 m from the endangered apes and stay in a cohesive group. Unfortunately, tourists often do not follow these rules and consequently their behavior puts gorillas at risk. The pre‐trekking messages presented to tourists in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda were changed to determine if the way messages are stated affects visitor adherence to rules. Tourists (n = 389) either received strategic messages that were positively or negatively framed in relation to expectations to follow specific rules to adhere to health guidelines, and tourist behavior was measured, such as the nearest distance they were to gorillas, and their cohesiveness. Using generalized linear mixed models, it was found that framing messages affected tourist behavior. Tourists who received a negatively framed message had a higher adherence to rules than those who received a positive or control message. They were 75% further from the gorillas (7.26 vs. 4.52 m), more cohesive (0.40 vs. 0.81 m to each other), and approached the gorillas less (0.34 vs. 1.32 times) than the control message. These findings demonstrate that communicating in different ways promotes changes in behavior by tourists, which reduces the chances of epizootic respiratory infections being passed to vulnerable animals. Strategic message framing should be widely considered as a cost‐effective mechanism to promote behavior change during ecotourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]