Perceptions of Birds by Urban Residents in an Australian Regional City and Implications for Conservation

Simple Summary Little is known about why humans like or dislike particular animal or plant species. Given the prevalence of common and threatened bird species within cities, more research is necessary to determine human attitudes to urban birds. As humans directly and indirectly impact urban birds and directly affect bird habitats, it is important to understand human attitudes to fauna and their conservation in order to protect biodiversity in expanding cities. In Australia, few studies have considered the impact of human attitudes on birds. Those that have focused primarily on particular species. In this study, we aim to understand how urban residents of an Australian city categorise birds, specifically the attitudes of these urban residents to local birds and their conservation. We suggest how attitudes to bird species may inform conservation initiatives and methods for maintaining biological diversity in urban areas.Abstract Given the prevalence of common and threatened bird species within cities, more research is necessary to determine human attitudes to urban birds and how this may affect conservation in urban areas In Australia, few studies have considered the impact of human attitudes on birds; those that have focused primarily on particular species. In this study, we aim to understand the perceptions of urban residents of an Australian city (Ballarat) by examining the ways they categorise birds (using the multiple sorting technique). We found that people were particularly enamored by large, exotic species, but if familiar to them, native species were positively perceived by people. People tended to view aggressive species negatively, but only where this aggression was directed at humans. This approach gained important insight into the attitudes of these urban residents to local birds and their conservation. We used this insight to suggest how attitudes to avian species conservation may inform conservation initiatives and methods for maintaining biological diversity in urban areas.