SREL Reprint #3386

Teaching Tolerance? Effects of Conservation Education Programs on Wildlife Acceptance Capacity for the American Alligator

Gregory M. Skupien1,3, Kimberly M. Andrews1,2,3, and Lincoln R. Larson4

1Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
3Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island Authority, Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA
4Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University,
Clemson, South Carolina, USA

Abstract: Growing populations of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in human-dominated landscapes present a challenge to wildlife managers concerned with promoting coexistence between humans and alligators. Where structural fixes such as direct removal of animals are not viable options, cognitive fixes such as conservation education programs should be considered. We evaluated the effectiveness of two conservation education programs (classroom-based program, field excursion) on three outcome variables that help define wildlife acceptance capacity for American alligators: beliefs and attitudes, perceived risk, and potential for coexistence. We found respondents who took part in both education programs had more positive beliefs and attitudes toward alligators, and believed in a greater potential for coexistence than individuals in a control group who did not undergo either intervention. Control group respondents also perceived higher risk from alligators. These data suggest that conservation education programs can impact stakeholder beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions, ultimately influencing acceptance capacity for predators.

Keywords: Alligator; attitudes; evaluation; interpretation; outreach; risk; wildlife acceptance capacity

SREL Reprint #3386

Skupien, G. M., K. A. Andrews, and L. R. Larson. 2016. Teaching Tolerance? Effects of Conservation Education Programs on Wildlife Acceptance Capacity for the American Alligator. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 21(3): 264-279.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).