Michiel Jan Dirk Hooykaas|Menno Schilthuizen|Cathelijn Aten|Elisabeth M. Hemelaar|Casper J. Albers|Ionica Smeets
Identification skills in biodiversity professionals and laypeople: A gap in species literacy
Leiden University|Leiden University|Naturalis Biodiversity Center|Leiden University|Leiden University|University of Groningen|Leiden University
biodiversity worldwide decline becoming increasingly important expand biodiversity awareness achieve broadbased support conservation introduce concept species literacy knowledge species good starting point engaging people biodiversity however concern raised general lack knowledge native species explored species literacy via species identification test netherlands investigated potential drivers dataset included 3210 general public participants 602 primary school children aged 910 938 biodiversity professionals considerable gap species literacy found professionals laypeople knowledge common native animals particularly low children average identified 35 species correctly mammals received relatively high identification scores compared birds laypeoples species literacy increased age educational level associated positive attitudes towards nature animals media exposure garden results indicate considerable part dutch lay public disconnected native biodiversity points separation people nature could hinder future efforts preserve biodiversity assessment help bridge gap laypeople professionals help set communication education strategies native biodiversity fit prior knowledge