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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Experimental Protocol for Manipulating Plant-induced Soil Heterogeneity

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Published on: March 13, 2014

Variation in public perceptions and attitudes towards terrestrial ecosystems.

Heather M Kiley¹, Gillian B Ainsworth², Wouter F D van Dongen¹

¹Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, Burwood Campus, Victoria, Australia.

The Science of the Total Environment

|March 15, 2017

Summary

Public perception of ecosystems influences conservation value. Familiarity, scenic beauty, and an ecocentric worldview increase appreciation for biodiversity, aiding conservation efforts.

Keywords:

Attitudes Biodiversity Ecosystems Landscapes Perceptions Value

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Conservation Biology
Environmental Psychology

Background:

Biodiversity is a critical global asset threatened by human activities.
Ecosystem conservation relies on understanding and influencing human behavior towards natural environments.
Public perception and valuation of ecosystems are key to developing effective conservation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate public preferences and perceived values (biodiversity, conservation) across five distinct terrestrial ecosystems in Victoria, Australia.
To identify factors influencing these perceptions, including scenic attractiveness, familiarity, and ecological worldview.
To understand how these elements can be leveraged to increase support for less-favored ecosystems.

Main Methods:

Survey of 503 respondents assessing preferences, scenic attractiveness, biodiversity perception, and conservation value for five ecosystem types.
Statistical analysis to determine relationships between respondent characteristics (worldview, familiarity) and ecosystem valuations.
Comparative analysis of public attitudes across different terrestrial habitats.

Main Results:

Distinct public preferences for ecosystems were identified, with wet forests most favored, followed by dry forests, arid woodlands/shrublands, heathlands, and grasslands.
Familiarity with an ecosystem, its perceived scenic attractiveness, and an ecocentric worldview significantly increased assigned conservation and biodiversity value.
These factors collectively explained variations in public valuation across the studied ecosystems.

Conclusions:

Public preferences for ecosystems are not uniform and are influenced by aesthetic and experiential factors.
Leveraging familiarity, scenic appeal, and promoting ecocentric worldviews can enhance public support for conserving less-appreciated ecosystems.
Understanding these psychological drivers is crucial for improving conservation outcomes and public engagement.