Anthropogenic impacts are the primary threats to Amur tigers(Panthera tigris altaica)and their habitat.Villagers living in proximity to tigers tend to view them negatively and,often,as a source of revenue on black mar...Anthropogenic impacts are the primary threats to Amur tigers(Panthera tigris altaica)and their habitat.Villagers living in proximity to tigers tend to view them negatively and,often,as a source of revenue on black markets.We aim to reduce human–tiger conflict by working with young students of Ternei County in the heart of tiger habitat in Primorskii Krai(Province).To inform and influence Ternei County’s future decision-makers,we developed“Safe Conduct”,a year-long education program held in 6 villages,culminating in a multi-school conference.We tested the efficacy of Safe Conduct as a potential model for tiger conservation educational programs.We measured levels of student knowledge about tiger ecology,their attitude towards tigers,and their willingness to engage in tiger conservation activites prior to,immediately after and 6 months following the completion of our program.Results supported the fundamental premise of Safe Conduct that knowledge and attitude towards tigers are correlated.Knowledge of tiger ecology and attitude towards tigers increased by the project’s completion;both remained high after 6 months.However,commitment to participation in conservation efforts rose temporarily post-program and then dropped.Results varied by village.We recommend that the reasons for the high performance measures of students in 2 villages be investigated,and that lessons learned be applied to villages that underperformed.Safe Conduct represents a potential model for environmental education programs in Ternei County and elsewhere to educate future generations,to eventually develop a strong commitment to Amur tiger conservation at the community level.展开更多
基金This program was conducted as a joint effort by the Uragus Association,the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve and the Wildlife Conservation Society(WCS-Russia),with a grant from the Conservation Leadership Programme(CLP).We are grateful to the staff of WCS-Russia,especially Director Dale Miquelle,for advice and consultation.We extend our gratitude to the Phoenix Fund,in particular Alexander Vrisch,for working with us in visiting schools and holding seminars for teachers.Special thanks to the Sikhote-Alin Reserve’s Scientific Division and Environmental Education Division,the District Public Education Division in Ternei,the district administration,and numerous volunteers for their immense help in arranging the youth festival.Our thanks also goes to the CLP team for the support and assistance they provided in addition to funding our project.
文摘Anthropogenic impacts are the primary threats to Amur tigers(Panthera tigris altaica)and their habitat.Villagers living in proximity to tigers tend to view them negatively and,often,as a source of revenue on black markets.We aim to reduce human–tiger conflict by working with young students of Ternei County in the heart of tiger habitat in Primorskii Krai(Province).To inform and influence Ternei County’s future decision-makers,we developed“Safe Conduct”,a year-long education program held in 6 villages,culminating in a multi-school conference.We tested the efficacy of Safe Conduct as a potential model for tiger conservation educational programs.We measured levels of student knowledge about tiger ecology,their attitude towards tigers,and their willingness to engage in tiger conservation activites prior to,immediately after and 6 months following the completion of our program.Results supported the fundamental premise of Safe Conduct that knowledge and attitude towards tigers are correlated.Knowledge of tiger ecology and attitude towards tigers increased by the project’s completion;both remained high after 6 months.However,commitment to participation in conservation efforts rose temporarily post-program and then dropped.Results varied by village.We recommend that the reasons for the high performance measures of students in 2 villages be investigated,and that lessons learned be applied to villages that underperformed.Safe Conduct represents a potential model for environmental education programs in Ternei County and elsewhere to educate future generations,to eventually develop a strong commitment to Amur tiger conservation at the community level.
