Author: Nebraska-Lynn White

Introduction

Throughout my work with animals such as reptiles, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and bats I have been able to see a large gap in understanding and connection between them and people as opposed to charismatic animals such as elephants. Although I found that much of the general dislike of these animals were based on misconceptions, such as the belief that opossums carry rabies (which they do not as their body temperatures are too low for the virus to survive), they were still widely disliked and even feared. These feelings made people not care about them as much as “cute” and charismatic animals such as bunnies. My goal throughout my time within this program and in my personal life has been dedicated to shifting public perception of non-charismatic animals. I believe that by limiting misconceptions and prompting the importance of these animals to their respective habitats, we have the ability to drastically improve their quality of life. I have really strived to change mindsets and limit misconceptions pertaining to non-charismatic animals through studies and public engagement, which is what this master plan has been dedicated to.

Conservation is an ongoing global challenge. Efforts to protect non-charismatic species are often lagging behind conservation efforts directed toward more appealing animals. Iconic species like tigers and pandas receive significant public interest and funding, while the silent decline of less charismatic fauna, such as amphibians, insects, and lesser-known mammals do not have these same successes (Lindhjem et al., 2015). These less charismatic fauna pose equal threats to the stability and functionality of ecosystems (Dandois et al., 2020). Recent studies have shown that public perception plays a crucial role in conservation success; therefore, understanding and reshaping how society views non-charismatic animals is crucial for their safeguarding (Hsu et al., 2018).

This portfolio explores the different methods and ideas in order to evolve perceptions of non-charismatic animals and identify strategies to enhance their visibility and charisma in conservation narratives. By examining case studies, outreach initiatives, and educational programs, the goal is to highlight effective methods for engaging the public and fostering empathy for these often-overlooked species (Kellert, 1996; Hockings et al., 2009). Additionally, this portfolio studied the implications of these changing perceptions on funding, policy-making, and grassroots conservation efforts (Bennett et al., 2017). As we continue to envision the accelerating loss of biodiversity, it is necessary to widen the scope of our conservation focus to include all species, recognizing that every organism plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health of our planet (Cardinale et al., 2012). Through this overarching analysis, I seek to contribute to a more inclusive approach to conservation that values the intrinsic worth of all living beings, regardless of their perceived charisma.

My favorite experience while exploring this has actually been reading the book “I don’t like snakes” to a bunch of second graders (Davies, N., & Lozano, L., 2018). I really found it helpful as most of the students’ misconceptions were targeted and as soon as they understood why these animals acted the way that they did, they really seemed to like them more. To explore how these shifting perceptions can contribute to the conservation of non-charismatic animals, the following sections will examine the underlying reasons for their negative reputations, effective strategies for mitigating stigma, and the successes and challenges encountered in real-world conservation efforts.

Social Media and its uses in Community Conservation 

This study explored the impact of social media on community conservation efforts, highlighting both its potential benefits and risks. Social media can raise awareness, engage diverse audiences, and promote conservation initiatives, but it also facilitates the spread of misinformation, illegal wildlife trade, and tourism-driven harm to wildlife (Bergman et. al., 2022). This paper emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and responsible use to maximize the positive impact on conservation. 

The project showcased how social media campaigns can increase global support for local conservation efforts, boost community involvement, and influence public behavior, particularly through viral content. However, it also warns of the risks, such as the rapid dissemination of false information or the exploitation of wildlife through attention-driven tourism. Additionally, many community conservancies lack the resources to effectively harness social media, highlighting the need for training and strategic support.

The study finds that social media can drive public support for conservation policies, but it also requires ethical oversight to avoid exploitation and misinformation. With over half the global population online, social media’s role in conservation is undeniable, but its use must be balanced to protect wildlife and communities. Going forward, the focus will be on establishing ethical guidelines for wildlife portrayal online and fostering responsible social media practices in conservation efforts. Building on the discussion of social media's potential and pitfalls in conservation, the next section examines how misinformation—especially in the context of bats—can significantly impact public perceptions and conservation efforts, highlighting the urgent need for accurate, responsible media portrayals.

Bats Final

This project was inspired by the challenge of combating misinformation about non-charismatic animals, like bats, which often face negative perceptions, particularly since COVID-19. The pandemic fueled misconceptions about bats, leading to a divide between humans and these animals. Bat species are crucial as they play a large role within the ecosystem as they are a big part of the food chain and keep arthropod populations limited (Kasso & Balakrishnan, 2013). Bats also are important due to their role in pollination as well as other nutrient and material distribution such as seed dispersal (Kasso & Balakrishnan, 2013). Bats have also been known to be beneficial for economic reasons as well as they are a great source of pest control, a draw in for tourism, as well as great for education and research purposes (Kasso & Balakrishnan, 2013). I aimed to explore how the news may perpetuate these misconceptions and thus the impact on bat conservation efforts.

Initially, I struggled with defining the project’s parameters. I analyzed 30 news articles about bats, categorizing them as positive or negative, but this sample was too small to yield comprehensive results. Despite this, the project taught me valuable lessons on research methodology and highlighted the prevalence of misinformation. I also noted that Halloween, a time when bats are often featured in spooky contexts, contributed to misinformation about their safety and conservation needs. Of the 30 articles, 23% presented bats in a negative light. The negative articles often highlighted the risks bats pose to humans, particularly in relation to diseases and “scary” stereotypes, as well as the dangers of human disturbance in bat habitats, like caves. Many articles promoted visiting bat habitats during Halloween, which can harm these animals and their ecosystems. This points to an area for further exploration—educating the public on the impact of such activities on bat safety.

For future improvements, a larger sample size is necessary, and reaching out to media outlets that share negative articles could help promote more balanced and informative content. This project also sparked my interest in how social media can be leveraged for wildlife conservation, particularly in addressing misinformation and fostering positive public attitudes toward bats. While social media plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of non-charismatic animals like bats, addressing the stigma surrounding these species also requires more direct, hands-on educational approaches, such as participatory learning, which can effectively reduce fear and misconceptions in communities.

White_Synthesis Participatory Education in terms of Snake Conservation Methods

This project explored the effectiveness of participatory education in snake conservation, focusing on how interactive learning methods can reduce fear, correct misconceptions, and promote conservation awareness. Snakes often evoke fear due to myths, leading to harmful interactions with humans (Prokop & Fančovičová, 2016). By using hands-on experiences like snake handling workshops, storytelling, and field trips, the goal was to show improvements in attitudes and foster coexistence with these important species. Participatory education, which encourages active engagement, was found to be more effective than traditional lecture-based approaches in changing attitudes and behaviors (Prokop & Fančovičová, 2016). 

The literature review I conducted examined participatory education initiatives in various countries, including the U.S., India, South Africa, and Belize, involving local conservation groups, educators, and wildlife experts. These programs demonstrated that interactive learning methods, such as workshops and community events, could improve understanding of snakes and reduce human-wildlife conflict. However, a major challenge has been overcoming deeply ingrained cultural fears and misconceptions about snakes, which often stemmed from a lack of knowledge about their ecological role.

Despite this, several projects showed success in reducing fear and increasing awareness. Programs like the Rattlesnake Conservancy’s Venomous Reptile Training and the Snake Education and Community Awareness Program in South Africa demonstrated that participatory education could foster both safety and conservation (Sampaio et al., 2020; Titcomb, 2005). Evaluations indicated that increased community engagement and hands-on learning led to a greater willingness to coexist with snakes. These insights enhanced my skills in designing community-based educational programs and reinforced the value of local involvement in conservation.

The outcomes were promising, with successful community engagement in all regions. However, future efforts could benefit from more attention to culturally specific beliefs about snakes. In places like Belize, addressing local superstitions through respectful dialogue proved effective (Marisa Tellez, personal communication). Moving forward, I plan to refine educational methods by integrating culturally tailored content and fostering more community collaboration. This project has shaped my broader vision of using participatory education in conservation and will guide my future initiatives aimed at creating sustainable, inclusive conservation practices. While participatory education can play a crucial role in reshaping attitudes toward non-charismatic animals, complementing these efforts with creative strategies—such as using humor and social media—can further enhance public engagement and broaden support for species that are often overlooked, despite their ecological importance.

ALC Final

An article was written and submitted to the Wild Ohio Magazine. This article addresses the challenge of conserving non-charismatic animals—species like bats, reptiles, and macroinvertebrates—that play vital ecological roles but lack the public appeal of charismatic megafauna like elephants and tigers. These species provide essential services such as pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal (Kasso & Balakrishnan, 2013). Despite their importance, they face threats like habitat loss and climate change, worsened by a lack of public awareness (Lenda et al., 2020). The paper explores how humor and social media can help shift public perceptions and increase support for these often-overlooked species.

One success of the project was discovering the effectiveness of humor in engaging audiences. Using memes and social media posts raised awareness of species like the proboscis monkey, often dismissed for its appearance (Lenda et al., 2020). This approach fostered empathy and highlighted the potential of creative strategies in conservation. However, challenges remained in sustaining long-term support and funding for non-charismatic species. Despite initial engagement, the real difficulty lies in translating attention into meaningful conservation action. 

This project reinforced the importance of public engagement, particularly through social media, in shifting perceptions and expanding conservation reach (Schaffer, 2023). It also aligned with my broader goal of changing perceptions of non-charismatic animals, using media as a tool for education and advocacy in modern conservation efforts.

Looking ahead, I plan to refine the project by incorporating interactive elements. Through examination of other studies elements such as collaborations with influencers, to extend the campaign’s impact are great ways to achieve this (Grover, 2014). Future initiatives should focus on not only raising awareness but also fostering deeper, sustained engagement. This project has shaped my understanding of the complex relationship between public perception and conservation outcomes, inspiring me to pursue broader campaigns targeting a wider range of species. Ultimately, the goal is to build a more inclusive conservation narrative where all species, regardless of charisma, are recognized for their ecological value. Building on the importance of shifting public perception inspired the next section within this portfolio. The Zoostagram project in the next section further explores how social media can be both a tool for engagement and a challenge in conservation, revealing the significant difference in public interest between charismatic and non-charismatic animals, and showcasing the need for continued growth within this realm. 

Zoostagram Draft

The project Zoostagram: Charismatic and Non-Charismatic Engagement on Instagram Photos aimed to examine the differences in engagement on social media posts featuring charismatic and non-charismatic animals. Charismatic animals, such as elephants and sea lions, are often the focus of conservation efforts due to their large size, aesthetic appeal, and the emotional connection they evoke in the public (Ducarme et al., 2013). In contrast, non-charismatic animals, such as snakes, bats, and insects, are often overlooked in conservation campaigns due to their perceived lack of appeal or even fear-based aversions (Polák et al., 2020). Using Instagram as the primary social media platform, the study measured engagement levels (i.e., likes) on posts from the top ten zoos in the United States, as ranked by USA Today. By comparing posts featuring charismatic and non-charismatic animals, the study aimed to uncover the engagement disparities that exist and highlight the importance of bridging the gap in public perception. Social media, with its global reach and power to influence, has increasingly been used in conservation efforts to raise awareness and drive behavior change (Grover, 2014; Ortiz-Ospina, 2019). The findings aim to spark dialogue around the need for more inclusive conservation narratives that extend beyond the well-loved megafauna.

The analysis revealed a clear and statistically significant difference in engagement levels between charismatic and non-charismatic animals, with posts about charismatic animals receiving a higher average percentage of engagement (1.069%) compared to non-charismatic animals (0.577%) (t-test p-value = 0.000005547). This disparity highlights a major challenge in conservation communication: the public's general lack of interest in non-charismatic species, despite their vital ecological roles (Lenda et al., 2020). The study was able to provide hard evidence; showcasing how popular social media’s algorithms, marketing teams, and the general view of the public views can sway discourse.  It also showed how social media’s viral nature can be harnessed to spread awareness, especially when engaging content such as memes or emotionally charged visuals are used (Robinson & Figgener, 2015). However, the study also revealed challenges in overcoming ingrained perceptions. The emotional appeal that charismatic species evoke often trumps the ecological importance of less charismatic animals. This project directly contributes to my Master Plan of using social media as an educational tool to influence public perceptions, and it further solidified my belief that conservation efforts must include a broader range of species, not just the ones with mass appeal. Moving forward, strategies to engage the public with non-charismatic species could include a combination of humor, storytelling, and emphasizing the ecological services provided by these often-forgotten animals.

Reflecting on the findings, it’s clear that social media can be both an opportunity and a challenge for conservation. While platforms like Instagram allow for large-scale engagement, they also reinforce a bias toward visually appealing animals. This project has deepened my understanding of how perceptions of animals—shaped by factors like size, appearance, and even societal fears—affect their conservation prospects. For non-charismatic animals, the challenge lies not just in overcoming public apathy but also addressing deep-seated fears or aversions, such as those toward snakes or insects (Polák et al., 2020). Future initiatives should focus on a more inclusive representation of all species, using platforms like Instagram to share educational content that reframes the narrative around these animals, not just focusing on their appearance but also on their ecological importance. This work has inspired me to continue developing more targeted campaigns, potentially using influencers and digital content creators to reach wider audiences and engage them in discussions about the value of every species. As a next step, I aim to explore how these engagement disparities can be reduced by utilizing more interactive content or incorporating educational outreach alongside visual posts, thus facilitating deeper emotional connections with non-charismatic animals. The lessons learned from this project will guide future efforts to bridge the divide in conservation advocacy and create more equitable, comprehensive wildlife protection campaigns. While Zoostagram focused on the power of social media to engage audiences with charismatic versus non-charismatic animals, the CLC project took a more hands-on approach to connect participants with overlooked species in stream ecosystems, specifically macroinvertebrates. Both projects share the common goal of fostering a deeper understanding of species that are often undervalued in conservation efforts, but each uses different strategies—one leveraging digital engagement and the other immersive, participatory learning—to bridge the gap in public awareness and promote broader environmental stewardship

White_CLCFINAL_2024

This project aimed to educate participants about stream macroinvertebrates and their role in assessing stream health, particularly in monitoring pollution levels using participatory education. Macroinvertebrates, sensitive to water quality changes, serve as bioindicators of pollution (Tampo et al., 2021). Participants learned to identify species and assess water quality by collecting samples from a nearby stream at Canter's Cave 4-H Camp on May 25, 2024, with Youth Anglers of Ohio. The goal was to connect people to overlooked species crucial for ecosystem health and highlight the importance of protecting local waterways.

The project faced challenges, particularly in engaging participants during the educational presentation. However, the hands-on stream activity—collecting, sorting, and identifying organisms—proved far more engaging and reinforced the ecological importance of macroinvertebrates. Success was measured by participant engagement, accuracy in identification, and a post-activity quiz. Most participants demonstrated a strong understanding of the species and their role in stream health.

This project emphasized the effectiveness of interactive, participatory learning in environmental education. It fostered curiosity about stream ecosystems and encouraged participants to consider actions to reduce pollution in their communities. In reflecting on the project, I recognized the importance of immersive learning in promoting long-term environmental awareness. Moving forward, I would improve the educational portion by incorporating more interactive elements early on and consider adding follow-up activities like stream cleanups or local water quality monitoring. 

The project has inspired me to continue working in environmental education, focusing on community engagement and partnerships with local organizations and schools. I plan to use the lessons learned to guide future conservation initiatives, aiming to foster greater awareness and action to protect our natural resources. Reflecting on the outcomes of the CLC project, which successfully engaged participants in understanding the ecological importance of stream macroinvertebrates, it’s clear that the hands-on, participatory approach is a powerful tool in conservation education. This aligns with the broader goals of my Master Plan, which has focused on shifting public perceptions of non-charismatic species through a combination of direct engagement and digital strategies. As I look back on my journey, it’s evident that integrating these diverse methods—whether through field-based learning or social media outreach—has been crucial in promoting my mission to elevate the conservation status of species that are often overlooked.

Throughout my time in the Master of Arts Biology program, I have worked towards the goal of changing public perceptions about non-charismatic animals and promoting their conservation through a combination of education, outreach, and media strategies. My primary objective has been to bridge the gap between society's affection for charismatic species, such as tigers and pandas, and the often-overlooked animals, like reptiles, bats, and insects, which are equally important to ecosystem health. Through various projects, including participatory education initiatives, social media campaigns, and community engagement, I have made progress in shifting attitudes and raising awareness. For example, I worked with children in schools to teach students about snakes and also addressed misconceptions about them as well as other species such as opossums, raccoons, and skunks, showing how their roles are crucial to our ecosystem functioning properly. However, despite some successes, challenges remain in overcoming deeply ingrained fears, especially around species perceived as dangerous or unappealing. The integration of humor and social media strategies has helped in gaining attention, but converting that initial engagement into long-term conservation action is an ongoing challenge. As I reflect on my progress, my approach has evolved to focus more on culturally sensitive educational methods and the use of digital platforms to scale efforts and engage larger, diverse audiences. There's still work to be done in fully reshaping public perception, but my efforts have laid a strong foundation for further initiatives.

The process of working on this Master Plan has not only expanded my knowledge of wildlife conservation but has also deeply influenced my professional development. Through hands-on projects like snake conservation workshops and stream health education, I learned the value of participatory education and how it can shift public understanding of often-misunderstood species. The overall lesson learned from my experiences is the potential of collaborative leadership and community-based approaches. I have developed skills in leading conservation programs that integrate local knowledge and encourage a sense of shared responsibility for wildlife protection. I’ve become more skillful at designing educational content that is engaging as well as culturally relevant, recognizing that successful conservation efforts need to resonate with communities on a personal level. The importance of digital media in conservation communication also has become clear, especially when trying to engage large, diverse audiences. Through these experiences, I have grown as a leader, learning how to manage outreach efforts effectively and how to engage others in the conservation process. As I continue to evolve as a professional, I will carry forward the lessons on collaborative leadership that has shaped my approach to working alongside local stakeholders, educators, and media creators to advance conservation messages. This program has provided me with a unique skill set in integrating education, media, and direct conservation action, and I feel confident in my ability to lead future initiatives that embrace these interdisciplinary strategies.

Moving forward, my focus will remain on expanding my work with non-charismatic species and continuing to refine strategies that use participatory education, digital media, and community collaboration in order to foster more inclusive conservation efforts. My next steps include developing more interactive educational content that engages people across cultural contexts and exploring new partnerships with influencers and conservation organizations in order to increase the reach of these messages. I also plan to expand my efforts in shifting public perception of non-charismatic species by integrating humor and digital storytelling to make these animals more relatable and captivating to a broader audience. Additionally, I aim to conduct further research on how changing perceptions of these species can lead to more funding, better policy decisions, and stronger conservation movements. This work is a critical part of a larger vision of integrating all species, regardless of their perceived charisma, into the global conservation conversation. I look forward to the opportunity to continue working on projects that not only raise awareness but also inspire practical conservation behaviors for the protection of all biodiversity.

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge all my Dragonfly Friends, especially Mike Curtis and Caleb Austin for persevering through this program and highs and lows with me. I could not have finished without their support. I would also like to mention my family and my significant other, Clay Strausbaugh, and his family for their aid and encouragement throughout this program. Lastly, my coworkers, Jim Hurst and Jeromie Pell, who listened to my work most mornings and gave their advice.

Personal Statement

My name is Nebraska-Lynn White and my background is in animal care. I have had multiple experiences and professional roles that have helped shape my interests and passion for animals. I have aided in releases of manatees as well as hellbenders through my work at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. I also have worked in animal care at OSU Finley Farm, Ohio Wildlife Center, and Veg Dublin. Project Dragonfly has really helped me to understand the field and the animals I work with on a new level. My love for non-charismatic animals have significantly grown due to my work within Project Dragonfly and led me to branch out more such as take Venomous Handling Certification Courses. 

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