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A scoping review into the impact of animal imagery on pro-environmental outcomes

Thomas-Walters, Laura, McNulty, Claire, Veríssimo, Diogo (2019) A scoping review into the impact of animal imagery on pro-environmental outcomes. Ambio, . ISSN 0044-7447. (doi:10.1007/s13280-019-01271-1) (KAR id:78950)

Abstract

With the recognition that most global environmental problems are a result of human actions, there is an increasing interest in approaches which have the potential to influence human behaviour. Images have a powerful role in shaping persuasive messages, yet research on the impacts of visual representations of nature is a neglected area in biodiversity conservation. We systematically screened existing studies on the use of animal imagery in conservation, identifying 37 articles. Although there is clear evidence that images of animals can have positive effects on people’s attitudes to animals, overall there is currently a dearth of accessible and comparable published data demonstrating the efficacy of animal imagery. Most existing studies are place and context-specific, limiting the generalisable conclusions that can be drawn. Transdisciplinary research is needed to develop a robust understanding of the contextual and cultural factors that affect how animal images can be used effectively for conservation purposes.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/s13280-019-01271-1
Uncontrolled keywords: Animal image, Behaviour change, Conservation, Human behaviour, Marketing, Photo
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: Laura Thomas-walters
Date Deposited: 22 Nov 2019 12:18 UTC
Last Modified: 08 Dec 2022 21:00 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/78950 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Thomas-Walters, Laura.

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