Resources
How do Individual Attributes Predict Bird Conservation Behaviors Among Birders in the United States?
A Western Working Group Special Presentation by Terry Rich
How do Individual Attributes Predict Bird Conservation Behaviors Among Birders in the United States?
Terrell D. Rich, Department of Public Policy, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725
There is a serious disconnect between birder interests, the needs for bird conservation, and public policies for bird conservation in the United States. An estimated 45 million Americans feed and/or watch birds. At the same time, 233 species of birds (22% of all native species) need conservation action. Numerous studies have shown long-term declines in the number of hunters, fishers, and other consumptive users. Despite these megatrends, the policies of public agencies – most importantly state wildlife agencies – are fixated on the past. To better respond to evolving public values and bird conservation needs, it is necessary to gain an understanding of the values, motivations, and behaviors of birders. A survey of 5139 birders in the U.S. revealed that, 1) 42% of respondents scored bird conservation second only to acquiring more skills in identification among their top priorities, 2) < 5% were members of major ornithological societies, 3) age and interest in bird conservation were inversely correlated, 4) females were more interested in bird conservation than males and were more inclined to social birding events, 5) all age groups would like to get more information about bird conservation, 6) birders tend strongly liberal, 7) early childhood experiences were scored as important but were not related to adult behaviors, 8) no one type of adult, e.g., father or teacher, during childhood had a strong impact on behaviors, 9) 30-40% of respondents were not familiar with bird conservation initiatives, such as PIF, and 10) bird conservation messages were important, but not those from state wildlife agencies or the USFWS. Bird conservation and other conservation organizations were more effective. One major conclusion is that there is a huge opportunity for PIF to increase motivational communication directly to birders.
Please enjoy this video presentation of Terry’s research.
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/MVARMwP6ZWs