Using a choice experiment and birder preferences to guide bird-conservation funding

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Ecological Economics
• Avian Ecology

Background:

• Biodiversity conservation, particularly for birds, presents ongoing challenges for natural area managers.
• Stated-preference methods, such as choice experiments (CE), are increasingly vital for valuing natural ecosystems.
• Avitourism and birdwatching are significant economic activities reliant on healthy bird populations and diverse habitats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify birders' willingness to pay (WTP) for specific bioecological attributes at birding sites.
• To identify heterogeneous preferences among birders using latent-class modeling.
• To explore the potential of user fees as an alternative funding source for avitourism and conservation.

Main Methods:

• A choice experiment (CE) survey was administered to birders at popular sites in Australia and the United Kingdom.
• The CE assessed WTP for varying levels of threatened species, endemic species, and species diversity.
• Latent-class modeling was employed to analyze preferences and segment birders into distinct groups.

Main Results:

• Four distinct birder segments were identified: quantity-driven, special-bird seekers, confused respondents, and price-is-no-object.
• Quantity-driven birders showed high WTP for diversity ($135) and endemic species ($66).
• Special-bird seekers prioritized threatened ($45) and endemic species ($46), while confused respondents were fee-sensitive and price-is-no-object birders were not.

Conclusions:

• Birders are willing to pay for preferred birding experiences, indicating a potential for revenue generation.
• User fees from birding activities could offer a supplementary funding stream for avitourism sites on public and private lands.
• Exploring alternative revenue streams is crucial for sustainable conservation financing in competitive environments.