Abstract
AbstractBehavioral interventions have been applied to induce multiple pro‐environmental changes, yet testing their effects on biodiversity conservation is novel. For certain behaviors, a promising tool is changing the context within which people make decisions through nudges. One such behavior is dog restraining to prevent visits to natural areas, a worldwide source of negative impacts on wildlife. In this preliminary study, we experimentally tested the effects of two interventions (i.e., an informative video on conservation and an informative video plus commitment nudge) on changing dog management among rural owners. We then assessed interventions' effects on owners' behavior change (n = 52) and intention to keep the restraining practice in the future (n = 50). Both interventions promoted a momentary change in owners' behavior, but their effect sizes did not differ. Yet, neither treatment increased the owners' intention to maintain the restraining practices. Although nudges alone may not be the most appropriate solution to reduce the severe dog impacts on wildlife, they might be of practical relevance to conservation stakeholders who deal with threats that are not prone to mitigation through more traditional strategies (e.g., command and control).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.