Conservation Knowledge

Conservation Knowledge

TRAINING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY

In September, we welcomed 15 participants from eight different countries onto our long-running Endangered Species Recovery course. They included people involved in a wide range of conservation issues from Australia’s critically endangered orange-bellied parrot, to the topic of conservation psychology. Also on the course was a Colombian amphibian conservationist, who underwent bespoke training in our Herpetology Department while in Jersey. Earlier this year, we also welcomed two primatologists from Brazil for bespoke internships on marmoset husbandry within our Mammal Department.

NATURE CONNECTION IN JERSEY’S SCHOOL CHILDREN

The term “nature connection” describes the relationship a person has with the natural world. Do they feel part of it, do they enjoy experiencing it, and do they feel responsible for it? An increasing number of studies show that the more connected to nature someone is, the better their physical and mental health. They are also more likely to support wildlife conservation and make changes towards a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Last year, we measured levels of nature connection in 1000 primary school children. We found that girls seem to be more connected to nature than boys, but this connection declines in both as they get older. Children in rural schools had higher nature connection scores than children at schools in urban areas. Most likely because rural schools have more facilities such as ponds and school gardens.

We are now looking at secondary school students to see how nature connection changes through adolescence. This is the time when a person’s relationship with the natural world is thought to be at its lowest level. A crucial part of this research will look at how we can intervene to stop it declining to support wellbeing and inspire a positive attitude towards conservation.