How today's youth view and value wildlife will impact conservation efforts of the future. The conservation of wild carnivores is of particular interest to conservation due to the pivotal role they play in the dynamics of ecosystems. The maned wolf, a carnivore inhabiting South America, is a Near Threatened species attracting both antagonism and attachment by humans.
This study investigated young people's attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge in relation to the maned wolf. Two age groups of youth (12-13 and 16-17) participated in the study by completing a questionnaire relating to the maned wolf. The youth were from three different urban areas in Sao Paula state – all within the wolf range of Brazil. In addition to assessing knowledge and attitudes, the questionnaire also collected information about the youth's exposure to the maned wolf and their intentions to help the wolf. Some of the attitudinal components of the questionnaire related to sympathy and feelings that the maned wolf is not threatening to humans. Other components focused on the charismatic image of the wolf, attitudes towards conservation of the wolf, and negative beliefs, fears and potential human/wolf conflicts. Responses were analyzed in relation to age groups, gender, location of residence, and experiences concerning the maned wolf.
Overall attitudes about the wolf were positive but there were some differences by age. Younger teens held more positive attitudes towards the wolf than older teens. They also expressed more intention to help the wolf even though they were more likely to view the wolf as a threat to humans and their livestock. There were no pronounced differences between boys and girls in relation to their knowledge of wolves, attitudes toward wolves, and intentions to help the wolves. Where the teens lived accounted for the biggest difference in attitudes towards the maned wolf. Residents of the most urban area expressed less intention to help and less positive attitudes toward the wolf. Knowledge also made a difference in attitudes. Teens with more knowledge about the maned wolf were more likely to have positive attitudes about the wolf and about conservation efforts to save the wolf. Knowledge, however, was not associated with personal intentions to help. Teens seeing the maned wolf live in nature were more supportive of conservation efforts than teens who had only indirect contact through books, videos, etc.
This research highlights the need to combine cognitive and affective approaches to conservation initiatives. It also supports efforts to give children first-hand experiences with wild animals in nature or zoos.
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