The twenty most charismatic species.

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Ecology
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• The term 'charismatic species' is widely used in conservation but lacks a precise definition.
• Understanding public perception of charismatic species is vital for effective conservation campaigns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and characterize 'charismatic species' more rigorously.
• To identify the most charismatic animal species based on multiple data sources.
• To understand the traits and perceptions associated with charismatic species in Western culture.

Main Methods:

• Conducted surveys asking participants to identify and describe charismatic species.
• Analyzed zoo website homepages (top 100 global cities) for featured animals.
• Examined film posters of Disney and Pixar movies for animal representation.
• Combined data from surveys, zoos, and films to create a ranked list of charismatic animals.

Main Results:

• A ranked list of the 20 most charismatic animals was established.
• The majority of these species are large, exotic, terrestrial mammals.
• Species were primarily perceived as charismatic due to being beautiful, impressive, or endangered.
• No single trait exclusively defined charisma; species were associated with multiple traits.

Conclusions:

• Provides a concrete list of charismatic species and insights into public perception.
• Findings can inform and enhance the targeting of species for conservation campaigns.
• The study highlights the importance of aesthetic and conservation status in public perception of animals.