Understanding People, to Protect Bears
Protecting bears is not only about studying the animals themselves, but also understanding the people, beliefs, and behaviours that drive the demand for bear parts.
This research highlights the important role that zoos, sanctuaries, and field based conservation organizations can play in advancing conservation science. By working together, these organizations can design research that helps identify what people know about wildlife, why they may use wildlife products, and what messages are most likely to encourage behaviour change.
This study describes a collaboration between San Diego Zoo Global and Free the Bears to better understand public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards bears and bear part consumption in Southeast Asia. More than 1,500 surveys were completed in Cambodia and Laos, helping researchers explore how different audiences view wildlife trade and the use of bear bile.
The findings show important differences between Lao and Western respondents, highlighting the need for conservation messages that are locally relevant, rather than copied from other countries or cultures. This kind of research helps conservation organizations identify key audiences, develop effective education campaigns, and measure whether outreach is actually changing awareness and behaviour.
At Free the Bears, our sanctuaries provide a unique environment where rescued bears can recover while also helping researchers better understand their species. They are also important centers for conservation education, where visitors can learn about the threats facing bears and the choices people can make to help protect them.
Insights gained through research help improve conservation education programs, guide demand-reduction campaigns, and support wider efforts to protect sun bears and Asiatic black bears across Southeast Asia.
Publication authors: B. Crudge, D. O'Connor, M. Hunt, E. O. Davis, C. Browne-Nuñez