Human perception and appreciation of birds: A motivation for wildlife conservation in urban environments of France

摘要: Conservation of biodiversity in urban areas needs both scientific justification and public interest. However, data about the public’s perception wildlife is scarce Western Europe. To identify human appreciation wildlife, we studied avian communities perceptions birds general, Rennes, France, at four sectors along a gradient decreasing urbanization: urban, adjoining suburban, distant suburban rural sectors. The diversity density were analyzed Rennes during winter spring (6 censuses). Avian was highest sector lowest areas. In two intermediate (adjoining suburban), similar varied little between seasons (Rennes has relatively temperate climate). because abundance some species, including Rock Doves (Columba livia) Swifts (Apus apus) sector. Sociological analyses surveys conducted (200 questionnaires) showed that with respondents. Urban dwellers perceived different bird species (more than density) appreciated their presence, except for such as Herring Gulls Larus argentatus or European Starlings Sturnus vulgaris. According to our results, efforts increase maintain cities appears be justified terms benefit humans, environmental personal benefits humans. when must managed (e.g. roosting Starlings), attitudes by parts city may require styles communicating management objectives.