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Human dimensions of bat conservation in view of the COVID-19 pandemic – an urban perspective

par Leong Ai Ting, Rachel
Promoteur Lebarbenchon, Camille
Co-Promoteur Giacomo, Santini;Coleman, Joanna
Publication Non publié, 2021-08-31

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Résumé :

Addressing the human dimensions of bat conservation is critical in the Anthropocene, when intensifying human activities have increased the negative consequences of human-bat interactions. This is made more challenging as COVID-19 has aggravated negative perceptions of bats, jeopardising bat conservation. Successful conservation thus relies on dealing with anthropogenic issues by understanding human attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of bats. This thesis therefore explores the human dimensions of bat conservation in Singapore by incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods to deliver conservation and management recommendations. First, I published an online questionnaire survey to investigate bat-related attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions. Next, I applied structural equation modelling (SEM) to investigate the drivers of attitudes and knowledge, and how these in turn influence perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices by bats. I detected no significant differences in attitudes towards or knowledge of bats between before and since the COVID-19 emergence. While respondents generally appreciated bat ecosystem services, they also showed concern about disservices. Cultural ecosystem services were positively influenced by attitudes, while regulation and maintenance ecosystem services were positively influenced by attitudes and higher bat knowledge. Lastly, I used Q methodology to conduct a stakeholder discourse analysis on the conservation and management of bats in Singapore. The most important recommendation was to assess and ameliorate attitudes and perceptions of bats and conserve them for their inherent value and roles in maintaining natural ecosystems. Finally, species conservation should seek an understanding of human dimensions to help facilitate more legitimate, robust, and effective conservation policies and outcomes.