ArticleJournal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine2025
Exploring public perceptions of owl species in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Implications for conservation management.
Article in Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundIn a changing world, effective wildlife conservation requires translating ecology into management. This emphasises the need to understand the relationships between humans and wildlife, as the survival of often misunderstood species, such as bats, reptiles, and owls, is influenced by environmental factors and cultural and social values associated with them. Ethno-scientific approaches, such as structured questionnaires, have proven invaluable in bridging this gap. We investigated people's perceptions, attitudes, and emotions towards owls in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.
methodsWe used a mixed-methods approach (face-to-face interviews and online questionnaires). A total of 904 questionnaires were conducted via face-to-face interviews (simple random sampling, n = 802) and online interviews (simple random sampling, n = 102); only 681 responses from the participants met the inclusion criteria. We analysed our data using cumulative link mixed models (CLMMs).
resultsRespondents mostly perceived owl species negatively, associated them with witchcraft, and were mostly unaware of the ecological importance of owl species. People's perceptions resulted from an interplay of multifaceted variables, not just socio-demographic variables. We found that positive perceptions of owl species were influenced by an interplay of multifaceted factors, including a higher tolerance for owl species, a general understanding of the ecological importance of owl species to both agriculture and the environment, and positive feelings. We also found that socio-demographic variables alone were not significant predictors of people's perceptions of owl species.
conclusionsFuture conservation initiatives should lean more towards implementing culturally sensitive education programmes that aim to communicate the ecological importance of owls, while also respectfully engaging with beliefs about witchcraft and religious beliefs linked to owl species. These have the potential to improve people's tolerance of owl species and also foster positive perceptions and interactions with owl species.
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