Wald, D.M. & C.A. Lohr. 2015. A comparison of cat-related risk perceptions and tolerance for outdoor cats in Florida and Hawaii. Conservation Biology doi: 10.1111/cobi.12671
Perceptions of risk and attitudes toward animals predict tolerance for wildlife and management preferences. Little is currently known about how these relationships vary across different geographic regions and interest groups. In this study, we combined data collected independently in two different states that are recognized centers of the outdoor cat management debate (Florida and Hawaii). We then identified differences in tolerance for outdoor cats and risk perceptions between key interest groups and the public using a consistent methodology to draw conclusions about how public perception of the risks presented by outdoor cats, group membership and state of residence influenced people's tolerance for outdoor cat populations across widely separated geographical, cultural, and political regions. Our results indicate that there were significant State and group differences in tolerance for outdoor cats, perceived cat-related risks, and experiences with outdoor cats. Our findings suggest that public tolerance for cats is susceptible to the influence of local or geographical concerns; but strongly held beliefs, risk perceptions and feelings about cats are more important predictors of stakeholder tolerance.
Perceptions of risk and attitudes toward animals predict tolerance for wildlife and management preferences. Little is currently known about how these relationships vary across different geographic regions and interest groups. In this study, we combined data collected independently in two different states that are recognized centers of the outdoor cat management debate (Florida and Hawaii). We then identified differences in tolerance for outdoor cats and risk perceptions between key interest groups and the public using a consistent methodology to draw conclusions about how public perception of the risks presented by outdoor cats, group membership and state of residence influenced people's tolerance for outdoor cat populations across widely separated geographical, cultural, and political regions. Our results indicate that there were significant State and group differences in tolerance for outdoor cats, perceived cat-related risks, and experiences with outdoor cats. Our findings suggest that public tolerance for cats is susceptible to the influence of local or geographical concerns; but strongly held beliefs, risk perceptions and feelings about cats are more important predictors of stakeholder tolerance.
No comments:
Post a Comment