What Are They Thinking? Exploring Layperson Conceptualizations of Wildlife Health and Disease

摘要: Communication is an important part of wildlife management. strategies based in knowledge stakeholder understandings key issues tend to be particularly effective. We conducted focus groups five states across the United States evaluate how laypersons conceptualize health and disease Based on insights from groups, we identified building blocks layperson mental models for health. From perspective, was associated with absence disease; balanced, sustainable populations; healthy animals; habitat quality; ecosystem Wildlife commonly viewed as a natural phenomenon. Factors influencing support management included specific methods used, cost, predicted consequences management, level uncertainty, severity threat. Knowledge attained these provides empirical evidence beliefs perceptions that influence public unde...