Differences in encounters, likeability and desirability of wildlife species among residents of a Greek city

Abstract

Urbanization is ever-increasing worldwide and urban green spaces and their associated wildlife are becoming critically important for human well-being. Understanding public preferences for urban wildlife would allow urban planners and managers for designing successful management plans. 600 Greek urban residents were asked to rate their frequency of encounters, likeability and desirability to encounter more often 30 urban wildlife taxa. Factor analysis identified three groups varying in degree of encounters, likeability and desirability. The most likeable species were also the most desirable (butterfly, songbird, duck, tortoise, squirrel, feral pigeon, hedgehog, heron, little owl). Structural models revealed that likeability was the most significant and positive predictor of desirability, in all identified species desirability groups: desirable, undesirable and indifferent. Participation in environmental lifestyle and conservation actions and support of animal welfare were generally positive predictors of encounters, likeability and desirability in all identified groups. Age was a significant negative predictor of encounters in the desirable and undesirable groups, of likeability in the desirable group and of desirability in the indifferent group. Females liked more than males the desirable species, and less than males the undesirable and indifferent species, encountered more often than males the undesirable and indifferent species, and wished to encounter less often the undesirable species. More educated participants liked the indifferent species more than those less educated, while the former also wished to encounter the undesirable species more often than the latter. Pet owners encountered all species more often than non-pet owners, liked more the indifferent species and wished to encounter more often the desirable species than non-pet owners. Our findings revealed public preferences for wildlife species in urban green spaces. This information would be valuable for managing urban wildlife for the benefit of both people and wildlife, in the study area and elsewhere, especially in areas where similar species occur.

Keywords: Animal welfare; Emotions; Environmental lifestyle; Questionnaire survey; Structural models; Urban green spaces.