Communications and education for amphibian conservation

VALENZUELA-SANCHEZ A; AGOSTINI MG; LILY MAYNARD; JAVIERA CISTERNAS; CANDACE MH; MARQUEZ-GARCÍA M

The Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP): A status review and roadmap for global amphibian conservation

IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group

Año: 2024; p. 1 - 20

Most instances of detrimental environmental conditions are caused by human behaviour, and the amphibian declinecrisis is not an exception. Although some species can be highly popular, amphibians are in general among theleast preferred animals by people. This situation represents a source of direct and indirect threats to amphibians. Inthis chapter we review key research on the human dimensions of amphibian conservation. The first section looksat human attitudes and behaviours that act as threats to amphibians. The second section offers a review of thefactors that have been identified as drivers of amphibian-focused human cognition. In the third section we providean overview of different conservation education and outreach techniques that can be used to change humanbehaviours and improve public support for amphibians, as well as the role of communication in the co-productionof usable science in amphibian conservation. We conclude this chapter by discussing some knowledge andmethodological gaps that need to be addressed in order to better inform effective and strategic conservationeducation and communication actions to support amphibian conservation. Communications and education canincrease stakeholder engagement and the success of amphibian conservation actions. Communicating the value ofamphibian conservation using carefully designed messages, for instance by highlighting evidence about amphibians’relevance for ecosystem functioning and human well-being, or about the imperilled status of these animals, mightprovide a good starting point to increase the willingness to protect amphibians in decision makers and the public.