Residents’ support for wolf and bear conservation: the moderating influence of knowledge

摘要: This article examines the combined influence of cognitions (i.e., impact beliefs) and affect feelings) on normative beliefs support for management options) about wolves brown bears. Data were obtained from stratified random face-to-face interviews (n=1,611). The survey was conducted in Abruzzo Lazio Molise National Park (central Italy), where people have a long history coexistence with large carnivores. Knowledge hypothesized to moderate relationships feelings actions. Path analyses supported role mediating perceived protection moderated these case but not Residents national park had more knowledge bears than wolves, which might partly explain both stronger effect that affective component its lack moderating bear model. Overall, our findings show positive attitude residents toward carnivores idea being important cognition predicting beliefs.