Flagship Individual Animals Can Boost Conservation
Published:23 Nov.2023 Source:University of Exeter
"Flagship" individual animals like Cecil the lion or Freya the walrus can boost conservation, new research suggests. Much-loved species like pandas and polar bears are widely used in conservation campaigns. However, a new study argues that individual animals or plants can also be used as flagships, with enormous potential to raise awareness and mobilise public support. The recent outcry over the felling of the "Sycamore Gap" tree in the UK demonstrates the power of individual plants or animals in public opinion.
Flagship individuals typically share some common characteristics. They mostly belong to charismatic species, and they often have some particular individual characteristics that make them appealing. They frequently interact with humans, and they typically have unique life stories, such as tragic fate. By forming connections with people and generating empathy, such individuals can encourage engagement and behavioural change, attract donations and even spark policy changes.
In 1994, Lua -- an orphaned calf -- was among the first manatees released in a new reintroduction programme. Because of her docile nature and willingness to approach humans and boats, Lua gave many people their first contact with a wild manatee. This helped to create a local sustainable tourism industry that currently supports up to 400 families. If properly implemented, the promotion of flagship individuals can produce substantial benefits for conservation from local to global scales.