Public attitudes toward the presence and management of bats roosting in buildings in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Southeastern United States

摘要: Abstract In the human dimensions of wildlife management, evaluating stakeholder perceptions target species helps inform effective conservation efforts. Stakeholder are invaluable when managing taxa like bats, which may have historically negative cultural preconceptions. However, insectivorous bats provide critical ecosystem services in North America through agricultural insect pest control, and many these threatened by white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease caused an invasive fungal pathogen. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM), most visited United States (USA), regularly observed roosting historical buildings visitors park employees during summer. As result, natural resource managers seek to ensure public safety protect structures while minimizing impacts on especially light declines bat populations as result WNS. lacked information visitor support for potential management action regarding taxon. From June August 2016, we surveyed 420 at three sites Cades Cove area GRSM their attitudes toward perception threats provided bats. Most respondents supported summer (76%). Standardized parameter estimates from multiple linear regression developed with survey data indicated that had greatest effects management. Wildlife agencies seeking further cultivate spaces apply results design tailored programming outreach materials.