Community perceptions of orangutan conservation and palm oil in Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

This study examined Greater Melbourne residents’ perspectives toward orangutan conservation through a mixed mode survey method, using postal surveys (N = 108, response rate = 11.8%) and telephone interviews (N = 50, response rate = 51%). Differences were found between knowledge levels about orangutans, attitudes towards orangutans and behavioural intentions. It appears probable that when an individual is educated about how human beings impact orangutans and holds positive attitudes towards them, most would try to reduce their impact.

Keywords:

• Attitudes
• Conservation related behaviour
• Knowledge
• Palm oil

Acknowledgements

We thank the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at Deakin University for supporting this study and Anthony Rendall for assistance with statistical analysis. Thanks to Elissa Pearson, Rebecca Levy, Emily Dunstan and Zoos Victoria for direction and assistance. We also extend our thanks to the participants who took the time to contribute to this research.