Giant anteaters as bad omens: Determinants and implications of wildlife superstitions

Abstract

Superstitious beliefs threaten wildlife species, yet they have received limited attention in the scientific literature. Through a mixed‐method approach, including 259 face‐to‐face interviews, we explored the factors influencing superstitions about giant anteaters in the Brazilian Pantanal and their implications for both people and the species. Our results indicated that bad omen superstitions about giant anteaters could be explained by the psychological discomfort felt from the species' peculiarities, social influence, misconceptions about their biology and behaviour, and the frequency of the species' sightings. Age, gender and schooling did not influence superstitious adherence. Interviewees holding superstitious beliefs of bad luck reported worry, distress and anxiety in trigger situations. Most engage in superstitious behaviours to ward off bad luck. While some acts were harmless, others threatened people and giant anteaters. By explaining misconceptions and demystifying unique species characteristics that evoke psychological discomfort, conservationists might foster better coexistence between people and species historically associated with misfortune. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.