Species identification skills predict in-depth knowledge about species

Abstract

To raise biodiversity awareness effectively, communicators should be aware of knowledge levels in their audiences. Species identification skills have been used in the past as a measure of what people know about species, yet it is not known whether they serve as good indicators. To study the link between species identification and in-depth species knowledge, we presented an animal knowledge test to an online audience of over 7,000 Dutch adults, and used correlation and regression analyses to determine the extent to which species identification predicts in-depth knowledge about species’ origin, habitat, diet, and behavior. We found that in-depth knowledge was higher in those who correctly identified species as compared with those who did not correctly identify species, for all four types of in-depth knowledge. Moreover, as compared to alternative variables (work, age, gender, and educational level), species identification was by far the best predictor for in-depth knowledge about species. However, species identification levels were generally higher than levels of in-depth knowledge, and knowledge gaps and misconceptions were uncovered. The results confirm the value of species identification tests, but also highlight limitations and challenges that should be taken into account when establishing knowledge levels and communicating biodiversity.

What informs human–nature connection? An exploration of factors in the context of urban park visitors and wildlife

“…Environmental or ecological knowledge, frequently measured using species literacy, is often higher in individuals with higher nature relatedness (Gifford & Nilsson, 2014). Furthermore, individuals who correctly identify species are more likely to be aware of species‐specific habitat requirements (Hooykaas et al., 2022). Contrary to our prediction and supported in the literature, positive species sentiment did not explain HNC in this group of visitors, likely due to an overwhelming positive view of wildlife (mean positive species sentiment of 95%; Liordos et al., 2020).…”

Using Species Knowledge to Promote Pro-Environmental Attitudes? The Association among Species Knowledge, Environmental System Knowledge and Attitude towards theEnvironment in Secondary School Students

“…In a Finnish study, for example, it was shown that familiarity with species has a positive effect on willingness to donate to environmental protection [ 95 ]. In the Netherlands, Hooykaas, Schilthuizen, Albers and Smeets [ 32 ] also found that correct identification of species serves as a predictor for deeper knowledge about species. According to Andrade Salazar et al [ 96 ], there is a positive correlation between pro-environmental attitudes and biodiversity knowledge among schoolchildren in Colombia.…”

“…This in-depth species literacy represents the starting point for awareness about biodiversity [ 2 ] and thus plays an important role in conservation efforts. However, Hooykaas et al [ 32 ] showed that simple species identification skills are a very good predictor of deeper knowledge about species. For this reason, species knowledge in this article will be understood as the recognition and correct naming of a species.…”

Low knowledge of national biodiversity symbols among urban South Africans limits their potential value as conservation flagship species

“…Yet, studies of species literacy or species use show that knowledge is not uniformly held, and may differ by respondent attributes such as age, gender, education, environmental world views, and experience of the species or environmental phenomenon being researched (e.g. Barrutia et al., 2022; Hooykaas et al., 2022; Joshi et al., 2015). Consequently, this also needs to be considered in research on the meanings and values of biodiversity symbols.…”