Scholarlink

<p>Public opinion plays a key role in shaping wildlife management decisions. The European Union Regulation 1143/2014 underscores the importance of public awareness and education in combating invasive alien species. Amongst those, the northern raccoon <i>Procyon lotor</i> is widespread over large parts of Europe. In this study, we investigated public perception of free-ranging raccoons in Italy, focusing on awareness, emotional responses, and preferred management strategies, by means of a standardised questionnaire. We collected 1696 surveys targeting the whole Italian human population. Despite their status of invasive species, raccoons have attracted public attention due to their captivating appearance and playful behaviour. Their ecological impacts, including predation on native wildlife and the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases, require effective management strategies. Our findings indicated a high level of public awareness about raccoons, with a diverse range of emotional responses. Most respondents expressed positive sentiments, whereas others exhibited negative emotions such as fear and disgust. We here highlight the need of targeted communication strategies to address public concerns, dispel misconceptions, and improve support for effective control measures of such charismatic invasive species. By addressing the psychological factors underlying species’ appreciation by the public, it may be possible to promote responsible behaviour and minimize human-wildlife conflicts. Furthermore, this research underscores the need for ongoing monitoring of public attitudes during all the phases of wildlife management. By assessing public perception before and after implementing different strategies, policy makers can evaluate their effectiveness and make informed decisions.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Public attitudes towards management strategies for invasive Northern raccoons in Italy

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月21日

查看全文
  • Alessandro Paletto,
  • Alessandro Lagrotteria,
  • Leonardo Ancillotto,
  • Isabella De Meo,
  • Giuseppe Mazza,
  • Emiliano Mori

摘要

Public opinion plays a key role in shaping wildlife management decisions. The European Union Regulation 1143/2014 underscores the importance of public awareness and education in combating invasive alien species. Amongst those, the northern raccoon Procyon lotor is widespread over large parts of Europe. In this study, we investigated public perception of free-ranging raccoons in Italy, focusing on awareness, emotional responses, and preferred management strategies, by means of a standardised questionnaire. We collected 1696 surveys targeting the whole Italian human population. Despite their status of invasive species, raccoons have attracted public attention due to their captivating appearance and playful behaviour. Their ecological impacts, including predation on native wildlife and the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases, require effective management strategies. Our findings indicated a high level of public awareness about raccoons, with a diverse range of emotional responses. Most respondents expressed positive sentiments, whereas others exhibited negative emotions such as fear and disgust. We here highlight the need of targeted communication strategies to address public concerns, dispel misconceptions, and improve support for effective control measures of such charismatic invasive species. By addressing the psychological factors underlying species’ appreciation by the public, it may be possible to promote responsible behaviour and minimize human-wildlife conflicts. Furthermore, this research underscores the need for ongoing monitoring of public attitudes during all the phases of wildlife management. By assessing public perception before and after implementing different strategies, policy makers can evaluate their effectiveness and make informed decisions.